SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Deaths in Custody

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the report on deaths in custody which was consulted upon last year; and if he will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: In May 2002 the Attorney General issued a consultation paper on the prosecution process in cases arising from a death in custody. During May and June he received many thoughtful responses, including the views expressed by those who attended a seminar which he held in May. The Attorney General had originally hoped to make a statement before the House rose in July, but was compelled to conclude that to do justice to this difficult exercise in the light of further developments following another case, the issues would need further work. He continues to be engaged on the project and expects to be able to publish a statement in the New Year.

Emergency Services (Hoax Calls)

David Heath: To ask the Solicitor-General how many individuals suspected of hoax calls to the emergency services have been referred for prosecution to the Crown Prosecution Service since 22 November.

Harriet Harman: Two individuals have been charged in relation to hoax calls made during the first fire fighters strike which began on 13 November 2002.
	Since 22 November 2002, three individuals suspected of making hoax calls to the emergency services have been referred to the CPS by the police.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Rugby World Cup

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what representations she has received from the governing bodies of (a) Welsh and (b) Scottish Rugby Union in respect of the English Rugby Football Union's bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2007;
	(2)  if she will make a statement on the English Rugby Football Union's bid to host the Rugby World Cup in 2007;
	(3)  what assessment her Department has made of the likely (a) economic benefit to the United Kingdom and (b) benefit to amateur rugby of hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2007.

Richard Caborn: This Department fully supports the English Rugby Union's very strong bid for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The RFU has already demonstrated its ability to host major events by providing first class facilities, organization and hospitality as co-host of the 1991 and 1999 Rugby World Cups.
	To date this Department has not received any representations from the Welsh and Scottish Rugby Unions in respect of the bid.
	It is anticipated that the UK would benefit from the additional tourism that this event would bring. The Rugby Football Union has commissioned an independent assessment of the potential economic impact of the 2007 Rugby World Cup from Bone Wells Associates. The assessment estimates that the tournament would bring approximately 175,400 visitors to the UK, spending approximately #100 per day over an average of 14 days. Hosting a major sporting event of this size would also provide UK companies with a number of opportunities for commercial sponsorship and investment. The Rugby Union is working on its own assessment of the economic impact of the 2007 World Cup and should make the results available after the final bids have been submitted on 15 January 2003.
	The Rugby Football Union's bid document predicts that the 2007 Rugby World Cup will generate substantially enhanced income streams for investment in the development of grass roots rugby.

Sports Events (Hosting)

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department takes to ensure that all United Kingdom sport can benefit from the hosting of international sports events by an individual home nation.

Richard Caborn: The sporting benefits of hosting major international sports events are not easily quantified. The economic benefit to the United Kingdom as a whole of individual Home Nations hosting such events is clear—not least, because spectators from overseas often combine their visits to events held in the Home Nations with visits to other areas and Nations of the UK.
	It is also clear that the hosting of major events by individual Home Nations generates benefits in terms of sporting prestige to the whole of the UK. However, it is not clear how the Government could ensure that such benefits accrue directly to sport in other parts of the country.

Sports Governing Bodies (Financial Assistance)

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the cost has been to her Department of providing financial assistance to sports governing bodies preparing bids to host international championships since 1997.

Richard Caborn: The provision of financial assistance to governing bodies for the preparation of bids for major international events is the responsibility of UK Sport or, in the case of the Football Association's bid for the 2006 World Cup, of Sport England.
	No payments have been made by the Department to governing bodies to assist in the preparation of such bids since 1997. Direct bid-related expenditure by the Department in that period has consisted only of 20,000 to cover the travelling costs of the Prime Minister's Special Envoy in his work in support of the 2006 World Cup bid.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Visitor Centre

Greg Knight: To ask the honourable Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission if the Commission will examine the case for locating a new parliamentary visitor centre outside the precincts of the Palace of Westminster.

Archy Kirkwood: Yes. The House of Commons Commission has considered the feasibility study produced by the consultants Haley Sharpe, and has asked them to carry out further studies of possible sites off the Parliamentary Estate. In the New Year the Commission will consider these studies, together with the views of the Modernisation and Finance and Services Committees, the Domestic Committees, The Speaker's Advisory Committee on Works of Art, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association United Kingdom Branch, the Inter-Parliamentary Union British Group and individual hon. Members. A final decision would need to be agreed with the authorities of the House of Lords.

PRIME MINISTER

Lend-Lease (Second World War)

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Prime Minister how much debt arising out of the Second World War US/UK lend/lease programme remains outstanding; what recent discussions he has had with President Bush on this issue; whether he has sought its cancellation; and if he will make a statement.

Tony Blair: The Government intends to meet its obligations under the 1945 Agreement by repaying the United States Government in full the amounts lent in 1945. Therefore no representation to the United States Government has been made.
	For details of the loans, I refer the hon. Member to the answer the Economic Secretary gave to the hon. Member for Castle Point (Dr Spink) on 28 February, Official Report, columns 1437–9W.

SCOTLAND

Spending Review

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will list for her Department (a) those Comprehensive Spending Review 1998 targets that were outstanding at the time of the statement on the Comprehensive Spending Review 2002, (b) progress on such targets since then and (c) the expected date when targets not yet achieved will be met.

Helen Liddell: The Scotland Office was established in its present form on 1 July 1999 and thus the department had no targets arising from the Comprehensive Spending Review 1998.

LORD CHANCELLOR

Civil Servants

Chris Ruane: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many civil servants are employed by her Department; and how much money was spent by her Department in the last 12 months, broken down by local authority area.

Rosie Winterton: Data on the location of civil servants is not available in the format requested, except at disproportionate cost. Information on the number of civil servants is provided in Table D of Civil Service statistics 2001, published in June 2002. Information on the breakdown of Departmental expenditure by local authority area is not available.

Public Appointments

Keith Vaz: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many public appointments he has made, other than judicial appointments, since 1 June 2001.

Rosie Winterton: 407 non-judicial Ministerial public appointments were made to the Lord Chancellor's non-departmental public bodies from 1 June 2001 to 31 October 2002. This figure includes re-appointments.

CABINET OFFICE

Public Appointments

Graham Brady: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the programme of work of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Douglas Alexander: The Commissioner for Public Appointments, Dame Rennie Fritchie, regulates, monitors, advises and reports on ministerial appointments to public bodies within her remit. Her work and advice are highly regarded and respected by the Government.

Government Websites

Barbara Follett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans his Department has to harmonise Government website addresses.

Douglas Alexander: As outlined in my answer to my hon. Friend in June all central Government Departments use the .gov.uk domain name.
	A Domain Naming Approvals Committee oversees the approval of every domain name request. Requesting Departments and the Committee are steered on eligibility by guidelines and standard conventions.
	The Office of Government Commerce (managers of the .gov.uk domain name) and the Office of the e-Envoy have agreed to establish a working party and early in the new year will conduct a formal review of the naming guidelines and how they are applied.

E-Government

Brian Iddon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to support progress in e-government delivery of the Government's targets for public services.

Bob Blizzard: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to support progress in using e-government to deliver Government targets for public services.

Douglas Alexander: In support of our commitment to radical public service reform, we are investing #6 billion over the next three years in e-enablement.
	This includes, for example a new commitment to extend broadband connectivity within our education system and major IT enablement in the national health service.

Regulatory Impact Unit

Mark Prisk: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many employees work in the Regulatory Impact Unit.

Douglas Alexander: As at 2 December 2002 the Regulatory Impact Unit employed a total of 59 staff. This figure is rounded to full time equivalents.

Spending Review

Frank Field: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list for his Department (a) those Comprehensive Spending Review 1998 targets that were outstanding at the time of the statement on the Comprehensive Spending Review 2002, (b) progress on such targets since then and (c) the expected date when targets not yet achieved will be met.

Douglas Alexander: The Department published progress against all its outstanding PSA targets in its departmental report 2002 (CM5429) published in June 2002. The Department's autumn performance report 2002 (CM5732) is due to be published and presented to the House shortly.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Warm Front Programme

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she has for publicising the Warm Front Programme to those in receipt of a designated benefit.

Elliot Morley: Warm Front is the Government's main programme to provide assistance to households in the private sector in England through the provision of a range of measures including heating and insulation to those in receipt of certain benefits.
	Warm Front is administered by two Scheme Managers—TXU Warm Front Ltd. and the Eaga Partnership. The Scheme Managers have responsibility for marketing and publicising the scheme and in doing so work in partnership with many organisations. These include local authorities, targeting recipients of council tax and housing benefit, local health and social services providers and other groups in the charity and voluntary sectors.

Warm Front Programme

Harold Best: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures are being taken to improve the performance of the Government's warm front scheme.

Elliot Morley: Warm front is the Government's main programme to provide assistance to households in the private sector in England through the provision of a range of measures including heating and insulation to those in receipt of certain benefits. Since its launch in June 2000, warm front has provided assistance to over 400,000 households.
	We are currently carrying out a review looking at the effectiveness and impact of warm front including consideration of the operation of the scheme including the eligibility criteria and range of measures offered.

Agricultural Waste

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she intends to publish draft regulations on agricultural waste.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 16 December 2002
	We are preparing the draft regulations necessary to apply the provisions of the Waste Framework Directive to agricultural waste. A Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is also being prepared. On completion, the draft regulations and RIA will be issued for consultation with the farming industry and other interested groups. A firm date for publication of the consultation paper has not yet been set but our aim is to publish it early in the new year. I will ensure that a copy of the consultation paper is sent to the hon. Member when it is issued.

Animal Welfare Bill

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Mansfield (Mr. Meale), on 26 November 2002, Official Report, c.230–31W, on the Animal Welfare Bill, if she will list those organisations that she or her officials have met to discuss the issue of pheasants in the proposed Animal Welfare Bill; and if she will make a statement on the balance of views of those organisations.

Elliot Morley: The organisations that have expressed views on the rearing of pheasants and were invited to the stakeholder meetings on the Animal Welfare Bill include:
	Animal Defenders
	British Association for Shooting and Conservation
	Compassion In World Farming
	Farm Animal Welfare Council
	Game Conservancy Trust
	Game Farmers Association
	League Against Cruel Sports
	National Gamekeepers Organisation
	RSPCA
	Union of Country Sports Workers
	A number of other organisations have given their views on pheasant rearing and husbandry in response to the consultation on the bill.
	I am satisfied that I have received a balanced range of views.

Common Agricultural Policy

Stephen Byers: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people received more than #1 million in payments from the Common Agricultural Policy in the last year for which information is available.

Elliot Morley: In the 12 months ending June 2002, four claimants received more than #1 million each in direct grants and subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy in England. The payment of direct grants and subsidies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was the responsibility of the devolved authorities in that period. In addition, 130 claimants throughout the UK each received payments in excess of #1 million as part of the market support measures of the CAP, such as export refunds, for which traders as well as farmers are eligible. The figures exclude any compensation received for animals slaughtered during the FMD crisis for reasons of disease control or animal health. We are unable to identify the total payments received by any individual or business making applications using more than one name.

Diversification

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 20 November, Official Report, column 157W, on diversification, when the research study will be published.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 5 December 2002
	The research study is nearing completion and it is expected that the report will be published early in 2003.

Farmers' Markets

David Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to promote farmers' markets.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 16 December 2002
	The Government does recognise that farmers' markets can bring benefits for both producers and consumers. In support of this, there is provision under the England Rural Development Programme and the Agricultural Development Scheme for grants for activities such as the establishment of farmers' markets.
	More specifically, to encourage the development of farmers' markets we have:
	written to all Local Authorities drawing their attention to the benefits which farmers' markets can bring;
	provided funding towards the National Association of Farmers' Markets' training and marketing programme and their accreditation scheme;
	sponsored the Local Government Association Guide on Farmers' Markets;
	and
	provided funding to help with the re-launch of farmers' markets following the foot and mouth crisis.

Food Prices

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average (a) farmgate and (b) retail price was of (i) one kilogram of (A) beef, (B) lamb, (C) pork, (D) chicken, (E) turkey, (F) bacon, (G) dessert apples, (H) potatoes, (I) tomatoes, (J) cauliflower and (K) peas, (ii) one pint of (A) milk, (B) cream and (C) yoghurt, (iii) one dozen eggs and (iv) one litre of (A) English wine and (B) brandy in (1) 1980, (2) 1985, (3) 1990, (4) 1995 and (5) 2000, distinguishing between (I) organic and (II) conventionally produced foodstuffs.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 10 December 2002
	The farmgate and retail prices of conventionally grown foodstuffs, where available, are shown in table 1. Prices are not collected for English wine or brandy. Small quantities of cream and yoghurt are sold at the farmgate direct to consumers at retail prices. The amount of processing taking place between farmgate and retail varies from commodity to commodity; an indication is given in the table. Farmgate prices include produce destined for highly processed food, which is normally lower quality and sells at a lower price. Changes to the level of processing over time will impact on the trends shown within the table.
	Prices of organically produced food are only available for 1998 onwards. Indications of farmgate prices in 2000 are shown in table 2, where available, as provided by the Soil Association. There are no retail prices available.
	
		Table 1. Conventionally grown produce
		
			   1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 Indication of further processing 
		
		
			 Beef 
			 Farmgate value(1) #/kg 1.44 1.67 2.00 2.31 1.69  
			 Retail value(2) #/kg 2.21 2.83 3.55 3.82 3.80 Slaughtered, trimmed and cut 
			 Lamb
			 Farmgate value(1) #/kg 1.28 1.67 1.68 2.28 1.90  
			 Retail value(2) #/kg 2.18 2.72 3.17 3.96 4.52 Slaughtered, trimmed and cut 
			 Pork
			 Farmgate value(1) #/kg 0.87 1.03 1.12 1.20 0.95  
			 Retail value(2) #/kg 1.17 1.45 1.84 1.88 2.00 Slaughtered, trimmed and cut 
			 Chicken
			 Farmgate value(3) #/kg n/a 0.90 0.87 0.84 0.71  
			 Retail value(4) #/kg 1.48 1.76 2.16 2.03 2.23 Slaughtered 
			 Turkey
			 Farmgate value(3) #/kg n/a 1.41 1.21 1.24 1.30  
			 Retail value #/kg n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Slaughtered 
			 Bacon
			 Farmgate value(1) #/kg 0.87 1.03 1.012 1.20 0.95  
			 Retail value(2) #/kg 1.48 1.91 2.50 2.71 3.10 Slaughtered, trimmed and cut 
			 Apples, dessert
			 Farmgate value(5) #/kg 0.26 0.37 0.50 0.44 0.36  
			 Retail value(6) #/kg 0.53 0.70 1.04 1.01 1.08 Packing and grading where off farm 
			 Potatoes
			 Farmgate value(5) #/kg 0.05 0.05 0.10 0.19 0.08  
			 Retail value(7) #/kg 0.13 0.18 0.33 0.70 0.67 Packing and grading where off farm 
			 Tomatoes
			 Farmgate value(5) #/kg 0.49 0.49 0.70 0.60 0.75  
			 Retail value(6) #/kg 0.99 1.06 1.43 1.15 1.50 Packing and grading where off farm 
			 Cauliflower
			 Farmgate value(5) #/kg 0.19 0.21 0.24 0.28 0.24  
			 Retail value(6) #/kg 0.22 0.36 0.58 0.62 0.57 Packing and grading where off farm 
			 Peas
			 Farmgate value(8) #/kg n/a 0.25 0.52 0.45 0.57  
			 Retail value #/kg n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a  
			 Milk
			 Farmgate value(9) #/pint 0.07 0.09 0.10 0.14 0.10  
			 Retail value(6) #/pint 0.17 0.23 0.31 0.36 0.34 Pasteurised, bottled and delivered 
			 Eggs
			 Farmgate value(10) # dozen 0.44 0.48 0.54 0.53 0.53  
			 Retail value(6) # dozen 0.68 0.92 1.13 1.31 1.60 Packing and grading where off farm 
		
	
	(1) Source: MLC, Defra
	(2) Source: MLC for 2000, other years derived by applying RPI for the item to 2000 value
	(3) Average producer price (p/kg carcase weight). Source: Defra
	(4) Chicken, roasting, fresh. Source: ONS
	(5) Average farmgate prices for 1985–86, 1990–91, 1995–96, 2000–01. Source: Defra
	(6) Source: ONS
	(7) Old white loose potatoes, not including pre-packed. Source: ONS
	(8) Peas, green for market. Source: Defra
	(9) Source: MMBs, Defra
	(10) Source: Defra
	
		Table 2. Organically grown produce
		
			 Farm gate value  2000 
		
		
			 Beef #/kg 2.60 
			 Lamb #/kg 3.00 
			 Pork #/kg 2.20 
			 Chicken #/kg 3.75 
			 Turkey #/kg n/a 
			 Bacon #/kg n/a 
			 Apples, dessert #/kg 1.00 
			 Potatoes #/kg 0.25–0.30 
			 Tomatoes #/kg n/a 
			 Cauliflower #/kg 0.70 
			 Peas #/kg 2.57 
			 Milk(11) #/pint 0.16–0.17 
			 Cream #/pint n/a 
			 Yoghurt #/pint n/a 
			 Eggs # dozen 1.40 
		
	
	(11) All milk was sold as organic in 2000. From early 2001, the market for milk became oversupplied and some organic milk was sold into the conventional market.
	Notes:
	1. n/a—not available.
	2. No farm gate values prior to 1998 are available.
	3. No retail prices are available

Fish Quotas

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the EU's plans for white fish quotas and their effects on the UK.

Elliot Morley: The cuts in total allowable catches proposed for 2003 by Commissioner Fischler would correspond, in fisheries which are of critical interest to the UK industry, to a reduction of 80 per cent. in fishing effort on cod and haddock and of 75 per cent. on whiting. I do agree that we cannot ignore the scientific advice that radical action is needed to prevent the collapse of the cod stocks, but the action proposed would have a devastating effect on our fishing industry. I am determined to negotiate an alternative approach which will give sustainable fishing opportunities to our industry, while still respecting the scientific advice and leading to stock recovery.

Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries

Jack Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what further consideration she has given to the recommendation of the report of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Review Group; whether legislation is planned to bring these reconciliations into law; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 16 December 2002
	I refer my right hon. Friend to the reply I gave him on 18 March 2002, Official Report, column 129W.
	I can confirm that the Government intend to introduce proposals for new salmon and fresh water fisheries legislation to implement the agreed changes when parliamentary time permits.

EU Fisheries Council

David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on (a) the outcome of the EU Fisheries Council Meeting on fish quotas for 2003 and (b) the effect it will have on Northern Ireland's fishing fleet.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 16 December 2002
	Total allowable catches and quotas for 2003 are due to be determined at the meeting of the Council of Ministers which started on the 16 December. The Council is likely to last for several days, and I will of course be happy to comment on the outcome when it is known.

Fixed Assets

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total value is of the fixed assets held by her Department, its agencies, non-departmental public bodies and public corporations.

Margaret Beckett: The total value of the fixed assets held by DEFRA, its agencies, NDPBs and public corporations is #2,625,564,000 (as detailed in the table):
	
		#000 
		
			 NDPB Land and buildings Plant and machinery Total 
		
		
			 Apple and Pear Research Council 0 0 0 
			 British Potato Council 518 129 647 
			 Countryside Agency 3,488 789 4,277 
			 English Nature 3,612 5,202 8,814 
			 Environment Agency — — 1,962,211 
			 Home Grown Cereals Authority 0 163 163 
			 Horticultural Development Council 0 52 52 
			 Horticulture Research International 44,982 1,608 46,590 
			 Meat and Livestock Commission 4,649 601 5,250 
			 Milk Development Council 0 41 41 
			 National Forest Company 1,551 0 1,551 
			 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 57,386 3,331 60,717 
			 Sea Fish Industry Authority 2,945 524 3,469 
			 Wine Standards Board 0 7 7 
			 Total 119,131 12,447 2,093,789 
			 Total DEFRA and agencies   531,775 
			2,625,564

Fluoridation

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans there are to fluoridate water supplies in the UK; and what health risks have been identified with fluoridation.

Hazel Blears: I have been asked to reply.
	We consider that decisions to fluoridate a water supply should be taken locally. We are seeking to ensure that, where a local community wishes to consider this option, they have easily accessible and reliable information on the effects of fluoridation. The only risk that has been identified is that of dental fluorosis or flecking or mottling of the teeth which, where it is judged to be cosmetically unacceptable, can be treated by dental polishing or, in extreme cases, by veneers.

Fluoridation

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultation has taken place with relevant groups regarding the fluoridation of water supplies in the UK; and if she will make a statement on her assessment of the impact of fluoridation on oral health.

Hazel Blears: I have been asked to reply.
	We funded research projects undertaken by the University of York in 1999–2000 and the Medical Research Council in 2001–02, aimed at strengthening the evidence base on fluoridation. Steering groups including consumers, people sceptical about the benefits of fluoridation, doctors, toxicologists and dentists contributed to these projects. The reports concluded that fluoridation achieves a 14.6 per cent. reduction in dental decay and that further research is needed to improve our understanding of this beneficial effect.

Illegal Food Imports

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what quantities of illegal imports of food were found in each of the last three years, broken down by port of entry.

Elliot Morley: A central database of illegal animal product seizures notified to Defra was set up in April 2001. The database holds details of seizures of illegal imports of products of animal origin, including foodstuffs.
	
		
			 Port of entry Weight (kg) 
		
		
			 From April 2001 to March 2002  
			 Aberdeen 12 
			 Avonmouth 2 
			 Belfast City Airport 11 
			 Belfast International 17 
			 Birmingham Airport 240 
			 Bristol Airport 1 
			 Cardiff Airport 13 
			 Coventry Sorting Office 238 
			 Dover 2,184 
			 Edinburgh Airport 13 
			 Felixstowe 24,329 
			 Gatwick Airport 18,461 
			 Glasgow Airport 15 
			 Heathrow Airport 12,534 
			 London City Airport 1,106 
			 Luton Airport 207 
			 Manchester Airport 276 
			 Mersey Port 14 
			 Mount Pleasant Sorting Office 155 
			 Newcastle Airport 21 
			 Southampton 48,777 
			 Stansted Airport 65 
			 Teesport 1,689 
			 Teesside Airport 15 
			 Thamesport 3,625 
			 Waterloo International 3 
			   
			 From March 2002 to date  
			 Aberdeen 117 
			 Belfast City Airport 1,061 
			 Belfast International 327 
			 Birmingham Airport 802 
			 Bristol Airport 41 
			 Coventry Sorting Office 69 
			 Dover 1,642 
			 Edinburgh Airport 482 
			 Felixstowe 9,173 
			 Gatwick Airport 6,828 
			 Grangemouth 10 
			 Heathrow Airport 13,365 
			 Leeds/Bradford Airport 118 
			 Liverpool Airport 241 
			 London City Airport 1,551 
			 Luton Airport 27 
			 Manchester Airport 441 
			 Mersey Port 34 
			 Mount Pleasant Sorting Office 22 
			 Newcastle Airport 14 
			 Norwich Airport 1 
			 Portsmouth 1,338 
			 Rosyth 7 
			 Southampton Port 259 
			 Stansted Airport 128 
			 Teesport 106 
			 Teesside Airport 1 
			 Thamesport 32 
			 Waterloo International 6

Import Controls

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) airports and (b) seaports there are, broken down by region at which her Department has responsibility for import controls.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 11 December 2002
	Responsibility for setting policy on import controls at all airports and seaports for animals and plants and their products, and live fish from non-EU countries, lies with Defra and the devolved administrations.
	As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced in the House on 6 November, responsibility for anti-smuggling controls is to transfer to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, as soon as is practicable. Currently the responsibilities for execution and enforcement of import controls are as set out below.
	The State Veterinary Service, part of Defra, is responsible for executing checks and enforcement of the rules at border inspection posts (BIPs) through which only those products referred to in Annex I of Council Directive 92/118/EEC which are not intended for human consumption; or live animals are introduced into the UK. There are 16 BIPs approved for this purpose—five airports and six seaports in England, and two airports and three seaports in Scotland.
	Each local authority is responsible for executing the import checks rules within its area for products of animal origin other than those products mentioned above. These are carried out at approved BIPs as set out below:
	England 18 ports 5 airports
	Wales 1 port
	Scotland 4 ports 1 airport
	Northern Ireland 1 port 1 airport
	Local authorities are also responsible for enforcing the import rules in their areas, whether they include BIPs or not.
	Responsibility for checks to protect plant health of imported plants and plant produce lies with Defra's Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate at all airports and seaports in England and Wales.

Insecticides

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what regulations prevent gardeners from manufacturing home-made insecticides for use in their own gardens; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: All pesticides used in this country, including those used in domestic gardens, must first be approved by Ministers. Approval is then only granted provided thorough scientific evaluation shows that they can be used safely.
	I am, however, aware that there are some gardeners who like to use home garden remedies to protect their plants. The Department does not however condone the promotion of such use either by individuals, organisations or the media.

Landfill

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) number and (b) total size is of planned landfill sites in the United Kingdom; and when each is expected to begin operations, broken down by region.

Michael Meacher: holding answer 11 December 2002
	Waste Strategy 2000 recognises that landfill will still have a role to play in any sustainable waste management system, but that it will be a much smaller role.
	Local authorities should take into account the landfill diversion targets required by the landfill directive to reduce the landfilling of biodegradable waste across the United Kingdom by around two-thirds in line with the timetable set out in the directive (i.e. by 2016, should the UK decide not to take advantage of the final four-year derogation) and the recycling and recovery targets set out in WS2000.
	Information on the number of planned landfill sites is not available centrally.

Packaging Waste

Peter Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the viability of enforcing greater use of (a) biodegradable plastic bottles and (b) plastic bottles which can be crushed down once empty.

Michael Meacher: Substitutes for plastic made from potato starch have been developed and are being used for some types of packaging by some retailers. Such material is entirely biodegradable and can be composted.
	A number of companies are marketing degradable plastics technology and products manufactured from these materials. These new materials are based on modified plastics manufactured from mineral oil and still have to be sent for recycling after use. We do strongly support the development of biodegradable plastics made from non-fossil sources, providing these will actually be composted and not sent to landfill.
	Plastic bottles which can be crushed down once empty are useful, particularly in terms of saving space in household bins. We are looking at ways to encourage this.

Ministerial Speeches

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what speeches (a) she and (b) Departmental ministerial colleagues have made since 23rd July to external organisations, stating in each case whether the speech is publicly available; and if she will place in the Library copies of those speeches not hitherto publicly available.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 27 November 2002
	All Defra Ministers make a number of speeches every week and so it would only be at disproportionate cost that a fully comprehensive list could be assembled. However a list has previously been placed in the library of the House which shows the principal keynote speeches made by DEFRA Ministers from 7 June 2001 to 1 June 2002. Some of these are available on the DEFRA website (as are other, more minor speeches) and, where possible, the others are available upon request although generally not in an 'as delivered' format.
	
		Secretary of State
		
			 Date Speech 
		
		
			 12 September 2002 European Parliament Temporary Committee 
			 17 September 2002 Launch of the Plant Atlas 
			 18 September 2002 Environmental Services Association third Environmental Conference 
			 20 September 2002 Ribble Valley Millennium Link 
			 21 October 2002 Meat and Livestock Commission Dinner, SIAL 
			 23 October 2002 2002 Silver Lapwing Award 
			 24 October 2002 Launch of England Biodiversity Strategy 
			 6 November 2002 Foreign Policy CentreCAP reform 
			 14 November 2002 Combined Heat and Power Association National Conference 
			 19 November 2002 Darwin Initiative Phase II Launch 
			 20 November 2002 Speech to Parliament Press Gallery 
			 25 November 2002 Outcome of Johannesburg Summit 
			 26 November 2002 Warm Homes Week 
		
	
	
		Michael Meacher
		
			 Date Speech 
		
		
			 17 September 2002 UCL Conference 
			 19 September 2002 Water UK 
			 25 September 2002 Defra Conference 
			 26 September 2002 ENVEC (recorded) 
			 10 October 2002 European Environment Bureau 
			 14 October 2002 Soil Association Conference 
			 18 October 2002 Nuclear Free Local Authorities Conference 
			 4 November 2002 RIIA Seminar 
			 5 November 2002 LARAC Conference 
			 6 November 2002 DEMOS Seminar 
			 14 November 2002 Defra Conference 
			 15 November 2002 Country Land and Business Association Conference 
			 20 November 2002 Magistrates Association Conference 
		
	
	
		Elliot Morley
		
			 Date Speech 
		
		
			 2 September 2002 Wildlife Trust Conference 
			 18 September 2002 Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers Dairy Show 
			 19 September 2002 Timber Trade Federation Annual Conference 
			 11 October 2002 Open Wash Banks Flood Alleviation 
			 16 October 2002 Economist Water Conference 
			 17 October 2002 Launch of CAWC Report 
			 24 October 2002 Cold Water Prawn Forum 
			 28 October 2002 National Flood Forum 
			 4 November 2002 Abbots Hall Farm 
			 6 November 2002 Launch of Pets for North America 
		
	
	
		Lord Whitty
		
			 Date Speech 
		
		
			 31 July 2002 Sheep 2002 
			 2 September 2002 Dorset Chamber of Commerce 
			 12 September 2002 Learning to last Conference by Learning Skills and Development Agency 
			 19 September 2002 Congress of European Agriculture 
			 21 October 2002 TGWU Food and Agriculture Conference 
			 25 October 2002 Food From Britain Reception 
			 29 October 2002 Association of Parliamentary Food and Health Forum Conference 
			 30 October 2002 David Black Awards 
			 31 October 2002 Women's Food and Farming Union 
			 31 October 2002 Meat and Livestock Commission Catering Sector Conference 
			 12 November 2002 National Food Assurance Conference 
		
	
	
		Alun Michael
		
			 Date Speech 
		
		
			 23 July 2002 Countryside Agency Launch 
			 24 July 2002 Sustainable Development evening 
			 25 July 2002 Launch of Defra-led Magic Project 
			 26 July 2002 Shooting Seminar CLA Game Fair 
			 5 September 2002 National Conference on Rural Stress 
			 12 September 2002 Launch of the National Training Strategy for Town and Parish Councils 
			 18 September 2002 Association of National Park Authorities' Annual Conference 
			 30 October 2002 Climbing Mountains 
			 31 October 2002 Urban Summit-Rural Urban Linkages 
			 5 November 2002 National Village Halls Forum AGM 
			 6 November 2002 British Horse Society Awards 
			 8 November 2002 Visit to Groundwork Project 
			 8 November 2002 Fourth Rural Affairs Forum 
			 9 November 2002 Rural Affairs Conference 
			 12 November 2002 Second National Angling Summit 
			 15 November 2002 Launch of the Institute of Air Quality Management

Recycling (Agricultural Waste)

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what basis she provides funding to assist a business in England proposing to recycle agricultural film waste; and what account she will take of recycling facilities in Scotland when reaching such a decision.

Michael Meacher: We do not provide funding specifically for the development of schemes to recycle agricultural film waste. The Rural Development Service may consider funding under ERDP for a particular scheme on the basis of an application put to them. All relevant factors would be taken into account in considering any application that is made, including recycling facilities in Scotland.

Animal Welfare (Sows)

Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment the Department has made of the effect on expectant and nursing sows of being kept in farrowing crates; and whether the Government plans to ban the use of farrowing crates.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 11 December 2002
	We have, for a number of years, funded research directly or indirectly related to the welfare of the sow and her piglets, from farrowing to weaning. Part of this research has been directed towards determining which aspects of confinement in farrowing crates could, potentially, cause frustration in pregnant and lactating sows. A key issue emerging is that changes in farrowing systems to improve sow welfare can frequently have an adverse effect on the welfare of the piglets. As a result, we are not yet able unreservedly to recommend free-farrowing systems for widespread commercial adoption.
	Our research, and that of others, continues. Our aim is to reach a position where it is possible to avoid the close confinement of all sows.

Sustainable Energy

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the Department of Trade and Industry on promoting sustainable energy sources; and if she will make a statement.

Elliot Morley: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on a wide range of matters that affect the business of both their Departments. Sustainable energy sources are amongthe issues that have been discussed at those meetings.

Water Supplies

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures are in place to ensure that medication cannot be administered in the UK's waters supplies.

Hazel Blears: I have been asked to reply.
	Regulations 25–28 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989 (as amended) require water undertakers to only use substances and products in the treatment and supply of drinking water which have been approved by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. She is advised by the Committee on Products and Processes for Use in Public Water Supply, which is an advisory non-departmental public body.

TRANSPORT

West Coast Main Line

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to improve rail links to the west of Scotland.

David Jamieson: The west coast upgrade will increase the frequency of InterCity services to Glasgow from September 2004 and reduce journey times.

Bus Services

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent changes have (a) recently taken place and (b) are planned to bus subsidies provided by his Department.

John Spellar: We have recently extended Bus Service Operators Grant (formerly called fuel duty rebate) to many community transport services and introduced a 100 per cent. fuel duty rebate on biodiesel. We are considering ways of applying this grant to scheduled coach services in 2003–04 in return for half-fare concessions for older and disabled passengers. Our Bus Subsidy Review is considering whether any further changes to subsidy mechanisms will help to achieve our policy objectives for bus services, which include increasing patronage, modal shift and promoting social inclusion.

Bus Services

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what conclusions he has reached on the future use of fuel duty rebate to support public bus services.

David Jamieson: Our Bus Subsidy Review is currently considering whether any changes to fuel duty rebate will help to achieve our policy objectives for bus services, which include increasing patronage, modal shift and promoting social inclusion. The review will report its conclusions to Ministers by February 2003.

Bus Services

Phyllis Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what response he will be giving to the report of the Commission for Integrated Transport on Public Subsidy for the Bus Industry.

David Jamieson: We welcome the report of the Commission for Integrated Transport on Public Subsidy for the Bus Industry. We will consider our response as part of my Department's Review of Bus Subsidies.

Bus Services

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people used buses in England in the last year for which figures are available.

David Jamieson: In 2001, according to data from the National Travel Survey, 58 per cent. of household residents in England used local buses at least once a year and 27 per cent. used them at least once a week.
	Bus passenger journeys in England increased by one per cent. in 2001–02 compared to 2000–01, with #3.8 billion journeys in all.

Rail Services (Wales)

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the Strategic Rail Authority regarding the Wales rail franchise, and in particular the service on the Cambrian coast line.

John Spellar: I, and other departmental Ministers, meet the chair and chief executive of the Strategic Rail Authority on a regular basis; and discuss a range of issues.

Rail Services (Wales)

Win Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) to discuss rail services (a) to and (b) within Wales.

David Jamieson: I, and other departmental Ministers, meet the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Strategic Rail Authority on a regular basis and discuss a range of issues.

Capital Investment

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on projected future levels of capital investment under the (a) Department for Transport and (b) Strategic Rail Authority 10-year plans for (i) railways, (ii) roads, (iii) multimodal studies and (iv) local transport.

David Jamieson: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport is today publishing a progress report on the 10-year investment plan. As well as describing the considerable progress that has been made during the first 18 months of the 10-year plan, this will also set out our plans for investment in all transport modes for the remainder of the decade.

Airport Development

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the impact on Sutton Coldfield of the proposed airport expansion at (a) Birmingham airport and (b) Rugby.

David Jamieson: The potential impacts of Midlands' airport development options have been assessed against a range of local and national indicators, including economic benefits and environmental costs.
	In general terms, development at Birmingham airport may result in increased aircraft noise for Sutton Coldfield, but could also generate additional jobs. The Rugby option assumes the closure of Birmingham,so the converse is likely to be true.

Cliffe Airport

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to consult residents in southern Essex in relation to the proposals to build a new airport at Cliffe.

David Jamieson: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport announced to Parliament on 28 November 2002 that the consultation on airports capacity will be extended until we have consulted on proposals in respect of Gatwick. My right hon. Friend made it absolutely clear to the House that it is open for anyone in the country to respond to the consultation.
	Those who have already responded to the consultation will be able to amend, add to, or replace their response having considered the new document. We will set out our plans for the remaining stage of the consultation process, including how to inform respondents, when we publish the further consultation paper in the new year.

Cliffe Airport

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 9 December 2002 (ref 86522) if he will explain his plans for the consultation process in the new year to the public meeting on Canvey Island.

David Jamieson: holding answer 16 December 2002
	As I set out in my previous answer to the hon. Member on 9 December 2002, Official Report, columns 29–30W, we will set out our plans for the remaining stage of the consultation process when we publish the further consultation in the new year.

Air Safety and Security

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on plans to improve safety (a) at airports and (b) on board aircraft.

David Jamieson: The Government, the Civil Aviation Authority and the aviation industry as a whole work together at all times to maintain the present high safety and security standards at UK airports and on board aircraft using our airports. These standards are monitored and further improvements made wherever appropriate.

Air Safety and Security

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve security checks on aircraft crews; and if he will make a statement.

David Jamieson: Under arrangements being brought in next year, UK aircrew will be subject to five-year reference and criminal record checking. We have already ordered that a study be carried out into the benefits to security of conducting additional checks on crews, balanced against the practicalities of undertaking them. This study will be completed early in the New Year.

Railway Stations

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of the upgrading of railway stations following Railtrack's entering receivership.

David Jamieson: Railtrack's arrangements for upgrading railway stations relate to like for like replacements. These have not been affected by Railtrack being taken into administration. The Strategic Rail Authority operate several schemes with other partners to improve the quality and facilities at stations.

Regional Transport Strategies

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps is he taking to ensure that transport strategies support regional economic regeneration.

David Jamieson: Our national planning policy guidance on regional planning clearly states that Regional Transport Strategies, produced as part of Regional Planning Guidance, should inform and support the Regional Economic Strategies being developed by Regional Development Agencies.
	My Department is committed to working closely with RDAs, in conjunction with Regional Planning Bodies, in the development of these strategies and in identifying transport improvements that will support economic regeneration in all regions. Last week, for instance, we announced a major package of improvements to tackle congestion on the country's strategic highway network, helping to support business competitiveness.

M6/M56

George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce the Government's decision on the options for improving the link between the M6 and the M56.

David Jamieson: The Secretary of States response to the West Midlands to North West Multi Modal Study recently instructed the Highways Agency to provide further advice on alternative options for improving connections between the M6 and the M56. That advice is expected early in 2003, following which he will consider his decision.

Transport Costs

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the implications for his transport policy of the relative changes in the cost of travelling by (a) car, (b) rail and (c) bus since 1997.

David Jamieson: Development of policies in the 10-year plan has been informed by extensive modelling using the National Transport Model and its forebears. This modelling takes account of the best data we have on how demand for different transport modes varies with respect to the overall cost of using those modes.

Airports (Transport Links)

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his assessment is of the priorities for improvements in public transport to airports in the south-east of England.

David Jamieson: The Government are committed to improving access to airports by public transport. This is a key component in the ongoing consultation on XThe Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom". Comments received will be considered carefully before final decisions are taken on the policies for the air transport White Paper, to be published next year.

Road Deaths

Andrew Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his strategy to reduce the number of deaths on the road.

David Jamieson: The Government are fully committed to meeting or beating its casualty reduction targets for 2010 as set out in XTomorrow's roads—safer for everyone". Total deaths and serious injuries in 2001 were 15 per cent. down from the baseline for the 40 per cent. target reduction. Child deaths and serious injuries in 2001 were 27 per cent. down from their baseline—and thus over halfway towards their 50 per cent. target reduction.

Aviation Industry (Environmental Impact)

David Borrow: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the work his Department is undertaking to reduce the environmental impact of the aviation industry.

David Jamieson: The Department for Transport on behalf of the United Kingdom is a leading participant in international bodies dealing with the environmental impact of the aviation industry, including the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
	For example, the phase-out of most 'Chapter 2' jet aircraft, completed in March 2002, has produced significant reductions in noise around mature airports. The UK has been and remains at the forefront of states pressing for stringent certification rules for both noise and atmospheric emissions.

Trunk Roads

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received on the state of trunk roads.

David Jamieson: I regularly receive representations from a wide range of organisations and individuals on the state of trunk and local roads.

Manchester Metrolink

Andrew Bennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the next phase of the Manchester tram system to be open.

David Jamieson: My right hon. Friend announced his confirmation of funding approval for the third phase of Manchester Metrolink on 10 December. It is expected to be fully operational by 2010.

Norwich/Liverpool Street Rail Line

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the capacity of the Norwich to Liverpool street rail line.

David Jamieson: On 6 November the Strategic Rail Authority confirmed their intention to create a new XGreater Anglia" franchise, combining the services of the three current operators into Liverpool street. Provision of capacity into London Liverpool street will be a key issue for the new franchise to address.

Road Improvements (Yorkshire)

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will include the provision of a bypass on the A614 for the village of Middleton-on-the-Wolds in the further studies on road improvements in Yorkshire, announced on 10 December 2002.

John Spellar: Any proposal for a bypass for the village of Middleton-on-the-Wolds would be for the local highway authority, to promote through its Local Transport Plan. The proposal would then be considered on its merits.

Fatal Accidents (School Children)

Huw Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will meet the Environment Secretary in the National Assembly for Wales to discuss the implications of the recent fatal accidents involving school children travelling home from school on a scheduled bus service.

David Jamieson: It would be inappropriate to meet the Environmental Secretary in the National Assembly for Wales to discuss the implications of the fatal accident near Cowbridge on 3 December 2002 in the immediate future, while there is an on-going Police investigation into it. I am not aware of there having been any other recent fatal accidents involving school children on scheduled bus services.

General Lighthouse Authorities

Doug Naysmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the (a) role, (b) terms of reference and (c) annual budget of (i) the Trinity House Lighthouse Authority and (ii) The Commission for Irish Lights in each year since 1997.

David Jamieson: The role and terms of reference of the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLA) are set out in the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 as amended. This requires them to provide marine aids to general navigation in their respective areas, adjacent seas and islands. The Trinity House Lighthouse Service is the GLA for England, Wales and the Channel Islands and Gibraltar. The Commissioners for Irish Lights is the GLA for Northern Ireland. Under the Republic of Ireland Merchant Shipping Act 1894 as amended, CIL is also the GLA for the Republic. The GLAs deliver services in accordance with international standards agreed by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. All three GLAs submit annual Corporate Plans for approval by the Secretary of State.
	The annual budget spend from 1997/98 to 2002/03 is set out in the table.
	
		#000 
		
			  Trinity House Lighthouse Service Commissioners of Irish Lights 
		
		
			 1997–98 29,187 13,775 
			 1998–99 29,362 13,401 
			 1999–2000 28,587 13,701 
			 2000–01 30,364 15,077 
			 2001–02 30,203 16,168 
			 2002–03 31,998 16,034

M25

Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the full report on the assessment by the Transport Research Laboratory of the controlled motorway project on the M25.

David Jamieson: A full report on the assessment of the controlled motorway project on the M25 is expected to be placed in the Library in late autumn 2003.

Rail Services (Northern England)

Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what plans he has to improve the rail services between Liverpool and Manchester serving parts of the Wigan borough;
	(2)  when he expects the Strategic Rail Authority to publish the structure of the franchise to run rail services in the north of England.

David Jamieson: Wigan is currently served by the First North Western franchise. The SRA is planning to combine services currently operated by First North Western and Arriva Trains Northern to form new Transpennine Express (TPE) and Northern franchises. TPE will run inter-city services across the north, including between Liverpool and Manchester. Northern will operate rural and urban services. The SRA expects to issue documentation about the structure of the Northern franchise early in 2003.
	Information about the franchise replacement programme and the composition of franchises can be found on the Strategic Rail Authority's website at www.sra.gov.uk

Rail Services (Northern England)

Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultation he plans to have with hon. Members on the structure of the new franchise for services and stations in the north of England.

David Jamieson: It is primarily for the Strategic Rail Authority to determine the structure of franchises. As a matter of course, the Authority consults during the replacement process—including with local authorities, Passenger Transport Executives, RegionalAssemblies and the Rail Passengers Committees.

Railways (Arson)

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many incidences of arson on the railways there were in each year since 1995, broken down by (a) train operating company and (b) line.

David Jamieson: The Health and Safety Executive's Annual Report on the safety record of the railways in Great Britain contains details of arson on the railways. Copies are available from the House Libraries. The 2001–02 report will be published on 18 December 2002.
	The HSE is unable to provide information on the train operating company and line involved in arson incidences, as these details are not recorded as part of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, 1995 (RIDDOR).

Road Transport

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he has made in implementing the Government's 10-year transport plan in respect of road transport.

David Jamieson: The Secretary of State is today publishing a progress report that sets out the progress that has been made with road transport. A copy of the report will be placed in the House Library.

Road Maintenance

David Rendel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the role of his Department in tackling the backlog of road maintenance on the road network.

David Jamieson: There is no backlog in maintenance on the motorway and trunk road network.
	The Government are committed to halting the deterioration in local road condition by 2004, and to eliminating the backlogs in carriageway, footway, bridge and street lighting maintenance by 2010. Over #30 billion for local road maintenance is being provided over the timescale of the 10 Year Transport Plan, 23 per cent. more in real terms than the previous 10 years.

Maritime Control Agency

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the seagoing qualifications and experience, including period in command of vessels on international voyages, of each individual named on the job structure accompanying the Maritime Control Agency's Business Plan 2002–03 and Forward Look.

David Jamieson: It would be inappropriate to list individual civil servants and their qualifications. However, of the individuals named on the organisational chart accompanying the MCA Business Plan 2002–03, there are:
	six who hold a Master Mariners Certificate and have served on ships trading internationally;
	five who have a degree in Naval Architecture;
	eight who are Qualified Marine Engineers; and
	two who served in the Royal Navy.
	Between them they have approximately 150 years of seagoing experience.

Tramways

Ross Cranston: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the requirements placed on potential operators of light tramway systems in obtaining a licence to operate on little-used railway branch lines with special reference to the Stourbridge to Stourbridge Junction line.

David Jamieson: Where a light rail or tram scheme is proposed which would need to share track access with the heavy rail network, it will need to satisfy the requirements of relevant railway group standards (save in the case of the Great Central Railway). Where the line is no longer used for heavy rail, however, HMRI would be the sole approval body as with other tramway schemes.
	I understand that it is proposed that the Parry People Mover will operate on shared track between Stourbridge junction and Stourbridge town centre. For this to be permissible it would need to meet Railway Group standards.

British Transport Police

David Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with train operating companies on additional funding for British Transport Police since 11 September 2001.

David Jamieson: holding answer 16 December 2002
	There have been no discussions between the Secretary of State for Transport and the train operating companies, but the Secretary of State has discussed policing matters with the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police.

British Transport Police

David Heath: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many uniformed officers are deployed to police the London Underground system.

David Jamieson: holding answer 16 December 2002
	The deployment of the British Transport Police (BTP) is an operational matter for the Chief Constable. The BTP have advised me that they have budgeted for a total of 471 officers within their London Underground area, and that 413 of these are allocated to uniformed duties. 383 uniformed officers are currently deployed to police the London Underground.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

HIV/AIDS

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress she has made with HIV/AIDS education within African school curriculum projects supported by her Department.

Clare Short: DFID is working with development partners to ensure that HIV is mainstreamed throughout education systems, plans and interventions in all African countries where we are providing education support. This includes working directly with Ministries of Education to ensure that school curricula address HIV and AIDS in a manner that is gender-sensitive and relevant to students.
	We are also making progress by piloting targeted school-based HIV prevention programmes—the Nigeria Extended Life Planning Education Project is one such initiative.
	DFID is also supporting innovative programmes in Southern Africa, using multiple media such as radio drama, pamphlets and cartoon books to communicate about HIV prevention. We are supporting Soul City on a regional initiative to provide materials on HIV/AIDS to all 12 to 16-year-olds in Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland.

Republic of the Congo

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funds the Government of the Republic of Congo has made available for (a) prevention and (b) treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Clare Short: We have no current information on the level of funding being made available by the Government for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many meetings she has had with (a) companies, (b) governments and (c) new governmental organisations regarding the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative since the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Clare Short: The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative team hosted the first UK stakeholders' meeting on 26 November. Forty participants attended with approximately equal representation from extractive companies, investors, international agencies, NGOs and other UK Government departments.
	Many other bilateral meetings have taken place with other Government officials, companies and NGOs to raise awareness of the initiative. In addition, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative was presented at the launch workshop of the World bank's research into the Governance of Natural Resources, held in Paris, 9–10 December.
	An international meeting will take place on 11–12 February to draw in wider, international support for the initiative and to discuss the substance of mechanisms to make transparency a reality. This will be followed by a ministerial-level conference in April 2003.

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Lancaster and Wyre (Mr. Dawson) of 2 December 2002, Official Report, column 530W, if she will list the principles underpinning the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

Clare Short: The draft principles adopted by the stakeholders meeting which we hosted on 26 November are as follows:
	We recognise that revenues from natural resources should be an important engine for economic growth, social development and poverty eradication, but, if not managed properly, can create negative economic and social impacts.
	We recognise that the benefits of resource extraction occur as revenue streams over many years and that, although highly price dependent, a public understanding of current and future revenue streams would help inform the choice of appropriate and realistic development options.
	We support the principle and practice of accountability for the stewardship of revenue streams—from their receipt to their eventual end use.
	We are committed to honest, legal and transparent behaviour.
	We support the principle and practise of financial transparency—as a necessary condition for good governance.
	We believe that a comprehensive, consistent and workable approach to the disclosure of payments and revenues is required.
	In seeking solutions, we believe that all stakeholders have important and relevant contributions to make—including host and home governments, multilateral organisations, regulatory agencies, financial and lending organisations, non- governmental organisations and industry.
	We commit to develop effective mechanisms to achieve transparency of payments and revenues in the extractive industries. This will entail disclosure by oil, gas and mining companies of tax and non-tax payments to host country governments and government-linked entities, and transparency by governments over revenues from this sector. We encourage other Governments, national and multinational extractive companies and other interested parties to join us to develop effective and lasting solutions.

Burundi

Eric Joyce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department has taken to support the Transitional Government of Burundi since November 2001.

Clare Short: We are supporting the full implementation of the Arusha agreement on Burundi and the Transitional National Government, including through financial support for the peace facilitation process and for the costs of the South African security deployment in Burundi. We continue to work energetically in the international community including at the recent Donors Round Table Conference in Geneva to carry forward the Arusha agreement. We are playing an active role in encouraging international financial institutions to re-engage in Burundi, and are increasing our development assistance—including a $1 million contribution to the Burundi Multidonor Debt Trust Fund. We have posted a full-time DFID representative to Bujumbura to facilitate this increased activity.

Burundi

Eric Joyce: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department will be taking to support the recent peace agreement between the Transitional Government of Burundi and rebel group the FDD and to encourage peace talks between the Transitional Government of Burundi and rebel group the FNL.

Clare Short: We are actively engaged with our international partners in considering how we should respond to the proposed African Mission to support the Dar es Salaam ceasefire agreement with the FDD. We are also in discussion with the Transitional National Government on their security sector reform needs to support the agreement. We are working closely with the FCO and international partners to help the facilitation efforts of the South Africans, Tanzanians, Ugandans and Gabonese to continue efforts to get the FNL to sign the ceasefire.

Burundi

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what correspondence she has had with the Government of Burundi regarding alleged human rights violations against children held in detention centres; and if she will make a statement.

Clare Short: I have not had any correspondence with the Government of Burundi on this issue. According to the latest statistics published by UNICEF and Libejeun (a local NGO) there are currently 199 children in Burundian prisons.
	Conditions appear to be well below international minimum standards. However, considerable improvements have been noted by Amnesty International and the ICRC over the last two to three years in prisons where ICRC have been paying monitoring visits and installing water and sanitation equipment. We are providing financial support to the ICRC programmes in Burundi and elsewhere in the Great Lakes. Our embassy continues to monitor the situation.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the Final Report of the UN Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Clare Short: We broadly welcome the final report of the UN Panel of Experts, which contains some important recommendations aimed at ensuring that the Democratic Republic of Congo's natural resources are used for the benefit of all its people. However we believe that it contains significant inaccuracies and some allegations on which there is no evidence. We and other members of the Security Council have asked for further information from the panel on the claims contained within it. The panel's mandate expired when it submitted its final report, and there is currently no mechanism or process in place to take forward their work. We are working on a draft Security Council Resolution to resolve this administrative problem.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of her Department's budget was spent on (a) reproductive health and (b) HIV/AIDS in (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01 and (iii) 2001–02.

Clare Short: Figures for HIV/AIDS related activities which includes reproductive health activities, for the last three financial years are set out in the table.
	
		HIV/AIDS activities as percentage of DFID bilateral programme -- # million
		
			  1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 HIV/AIDS related expenditure 75.7 124.9 206.6 
			 Annual bilateral programme 1,323.9 1,414.8 1,506.2 
			 Percentage of total programme 6% 9% 14% 
		
	
	The above data combine projects that have been marked against the Reproductive Health Services and HIV/AIDS policy markers. Increasingly, DFID is helping to tackle HIV/AIDS within the context of large sexual and reproductive health programmes and sustainable health systems development. In these circumstances, it is often difficult to attribute spend to particular aspects of sexual and reproductive health. For example, provision of condoms serves the dual purposes of HIV/AIDS prevention and protection against other sexually transmitted infections as well as family planning. We strongly believe that a cross-sectoral approach to tackling HIV/AIDS is essential if we are to be successful. The International Development Committee share this view. This does, however, pose problems of attribution.

Education

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what contributions to the Education for All action plan she expects to make in the next five years.

Clare Short: Our forecast support for basic education amounts to #1.3 billion over the next five years, either through education sector support or direct budget support. Of this, about #500 million will go to Africa and #800 million to Asia. A substantial proportion will go to low income countries included within the Fast Track Initiative, notably to the five high population countries with large numbers of children out of school (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, DRC) which the Government successfully pressed to have included in the initiative. These spending figures are forecasts, not targets or commitments, and depend on agreeing high quality programmes with our partners.

Ethiopia

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the total volume of food aid (a) her Department and (b) the EU has delivered to Ethiopia in 2002; and on what dates that food arrived in Ethiopia.

Clare Short: My Department has provided 4,887 Mts of food aid through the World Food Programme and 6,400 Mts through Save the Children (UK) in 2002. In both cases, food was drawn down from the Emergency Food Security Reserve (EFSR) and distributed immediately following our commitment. Both organisations subsequently purchased food locally. WFP paid back into the EFSR in September and SC(UK) will complete repayment this week.
	We understand that the EU has so far provided 99,800 Mts of food aid in 2002. Of the 99,800 Mts, 22,800 Mts was delivered through the World Food Programme. We are told that it is difficult to produce actual delivery dates as the 99,800 Mts was purchased locally. A further 22,800 Mts will be delivered by the end of December. DFID contributes almost 20 per cent. of the cost of EU assistance.

Ethiopia

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what volume of food (a) her Department and (b) the EU has pledged to Ethiopia for 2003; and when she expects these food deliveries to arrive in Ethiopia.

Clare Short: In addition to the 11,287 Mts of food aid we provided in 2002, we have just approved the provision of 2,577 Mts of supplementary food aid through CARE International for 2003 for 286,300 vulnerable people in East and West Hararghe zones. It is expected that this will be delivered in the first two months of 2003. We are keeping the situation in Ethiopia under continuous review and are considering the provision of further food aid for 2003.
	On 9 December, in response to the December Emergency Appeal, the European Union announced the provision of 260,000 Mts of food aid for Ethiopia in 2003. We understand that they expect that this will be delivered in March-April 2003. DFID contributes almost 20 per cent. of the cost of EU assistance.

Ethiopia

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the level of Ethiopia's food deficits for the first quarter of 2003.

Clare Short: In the Joint UN/Government of Ethiopia Appeal, which was launched on 7 December, it was indicated that the food needs for Ethiopia in the first quarter of 2003 would be 410,809 MT.

Ethiopia

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was discussed at the meeting of the EU's General Affairs and External Relations Council on 9 and 10 December regarding Ethiopia.

Clare Short: Ethiopia was not discussed at the GAERC on 9–10 December despite it being on the agenda. However, in response to the Government of Ethiopia/UN Appeal on 9 December the Commission announced a new emergency food aid programme worth #70 million, which is equivalent to 260,000 metric tonnes of cereals.

Gambia

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on recent levels of malnutrition among children in Gambia.

Clare Short: The most recent figures for levels of malnutrition in The Gambia that we are aware of, come from a nutritional survey carried out in October 2002 by the World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with other agencies, in 29 villages. This found levels of acute malnutrition among children surveyed to be 11.2 per cent. Children in the age group between 12 and 23 months were found to be worst affected.

Landmines (Angola)

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what impact she estimates landmines are having on humanitarian efforts in the Mavinga region of Angola.

Clare Short: On 2 December, a vehicle belonging to Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) working on an emergency relief project in the southeastern region of Mavinga, funded in part by DFID, was blown up by a mine resulting in the deaths of 7 people, and the wounding of 6 others. As a result of this tragic incident, MSF have stated their intention to reduce their humanitarian activities in the area—one of the worst affected in Angola. Relief agencies in Angola state that landmines continue to restrict the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
	According to the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Human Affairs (OCHA), Angola is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. As many as 70,000 Angolans are believed to have lost limbs as a result of landmine explosions. My Department has allocated US$ 459,000 to UNDP for a project aimed at improving the effectiveness of mine action through strengthened coordination and planning at the provincial level in Angola. We will also be contributing 19.7 per cent. of the Euro6 million which the EC has recently made available for mine action in Angola. This includes 5 million for a variety of mine-clearance agencies.

Nigeria

John Barrett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the fairness of political party registration in Nigeria; and what impact the registration of political parties in Nigeria has made on the country's transition to democracy.

Clare Short: The Supreme Court ruling of 21 November 2002 upheld the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) right to set guidelines for the registration of political parties, but held that these guidelines could not impose requirements in excess of those set out in the constitution. As a result, 22 new political parties have now been registered, bringing the total to 28. Though the initial ruling by INEC was exclusive, the court system was used to good effect by the excluded parties to ensure a much broader participation. Thus, while the courts ruled that INEC was not 'fair' to have excluded parties in the first place, the system as a whole can be judged to have been fair.
	The registration of the additional parties will cause administrative difficulties, but it could have a beneficial impact, allowing more people to become involved in politics, and could increase the likelihood that parties will form on issue-based platforms. However the full impact of the registration of 22 new parties is yet to be felt. My Department is working closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to monitor developments.

Primary Education

Tony Worthington: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in which countries increased funding for primary education over the next five years will be spent and how; and how much of this will be spent in World bank Fast Track countries.

Clare Short: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Clydebank and Milngavie on 18 November 2002, Official Report, columns 15–16W).

Spending Review

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list for her Department (a) those Comprehensive Spending Review 1998 targets that were outstanding at the time of the statement on the Comprehensive Spending Review 2002, (b) progress on such targets since then and (c) the expected date when targets not yet achieved will be met.

Clare Short: My department publishes progress against all our outstanding Public Service Agreement targets in our Departmental Report (published in April 2002) and our Autumn Performance Report (published in October 2002). These are available at www.dfid.gov.uk.

Sub-Saharan Africa (Health Care)

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much money was spent on healthcare services per person last year in sub-Saharan Africa.

Clare Short: Latest figures available in the World Bank's publication XWorld Development Indicators 2002, Table 2.15 Health expenditure, services and use" shows $41 of health expenditure per capita in Sub Saharan Africa. This includes public and private health expenditure, plus for some countries, external sources (mainly foreign assistance).

DEFENCE

Ambulances

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many ambulances are available to each armed service; and how many of these are air conditioned.

Lewis Moonie: The Army and the Royal Marines have 768 battlefield ambulances (BFA) and 68 armoured ambulances. At present, all the armoured ambulances, and 43 of the BFA are fitted with air conditioning units (ACU). Units are also able to convert the FV 432 and BV 206 vehicles for use as ambulances as and when appropriate. These are not air conditioned.
	The RAF has 28 BFA and 55 trauma management vehicles for crash rescue on airfields. These are not air conditioned.
	In addition to ambulances, the Ministry of Defence has 109 coaches with an ambulance role, which are not air conditioned.

Ammunition

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what types and tonnage of ammunitions were brought into the United Kingdom by his Department in the last 12 months.

Lewis Moonie: During the past 12 months, the following types of ammunition have been brought into the United Kingdom as a result of overseas procurement:
	7.62 mm BALL, 21 mm Rocket System, 21 mm Training System, 0.5 4B/IT, 338 inch (various), 12.7 mm IMP, 5.56 mm AP, 9 mm (various), 66 mm, Goalkeeper FMPDS, 14.5 mm Artillery Training L21A1 (Charge), 40 mm Grenades (various), Enhanced Performance Grenade, 60 mm Mortar Bombs.
	I am withholding information regarding the tonnage of ammunition brought into the United Kingdom in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Cyprus (Christmas Mail)

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what delays he expects to occur with the forces' Christmas mail to Episcopi in Cyprus.

Lewis Moonie: No delays are expected to any mail posted by the published Xlatest posting" dates, which were 6 December for parcels and 16 December for letters and packets.

D-Day

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for UK involvement in celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 31 October 2002, Official Report, column 881W, to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin).

Dalton Barracks

Kevin McNamara: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 19 November 2002, Official Report, column 36W, what the regular staff complement of officers and ranks at the Dalton Barracks in Oxfordshire is; how many deaths have been reported in and around the barracks since 1990; and what is the numerical breakdown of these deaths by cause.

Adam Ingram: There are some 1,500 military personnel currently based at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, with three Close Support Regiment and 4 General Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps. Available records indicate that there have been four deaths at Abingdon since 1990. I am unable to release details of the cause of death in each case, as this may lead to the identification of individuals and compromise service personnel confidentiality. I am therefore withholding the information under Exemption 12 (Privacy of an Individual) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Defence Diversification Agency

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many inquiries have been received by the Defence Diversification Agency since its inception; how many of these were received through its Scottish office; how many led to a successful outcome; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: The Defence Diversification Agency, now in its fourth year of operation, has received some 2,653 inquiries, of which 198 were from Scotland. All inquiries were successfully processed with about 50 per cent. leading to follow-up technology/knowledge transfer.

Defence Diversification Agency

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Scottish firms have had negotiations with the Defence Diversification Agency in each year since its inception; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: The Defence Diversification Agency has had dealings with some 200 companies through its Scottish offices. The listing of these companies by date of inquiry, where we have such a record, is set out in the table.
	
		
			 Company Inquiry date 
		
		
			 360pano Ltd. 30 April 2002 
			 Accuscene Corporation Ltd. 4 September 2002 
			 Acuid Corporation Ltd. 7 June 2001 
			 Acuid Corporation Ltd. 10 August 2001 
			 Adam Smith Ltd. — 
			 Ademco Michrotech Ltd. 6 February 2001 
			 Advanced Biometric Systems Ltd. 30 November 2001 
			 Alacom Dundee — 
			 Alcan 10 January 2001 
			 Allenwest Wallacetown Ltd. 23 August 2001 
			 Appledore Shipbuilders Ltd. — 
			 AROS Developments Ltd. 30 May 2002 
			 Artifactus Ltd. 23 January 2001 
			 Ascom IT Ltd. 17 April 2001 
			 B.A. Aviation and Marine 18 September 2001 
			 Babcock International BES Division 30 July 2002 
			 BAE Systems — 
			 Biotrix International Ltd. 1 November 1999 
			 Bitwise 26 March 2002 
			 BMT Cordah Ltd. 22 September 2002 
			 Bob Cameron 1 August 2002 
			 Bonnybrae Ltd. 26 September 2000 
			 Capt. Bruce Hitchings 8 February 2001 
			 CCI Engineering Ltd. 25 July 2002 
			 Central Science Laboratory 8 January 2001 
			 Chilton International 23 June 2000 
			 Clariant 13 March 2002 
			 Cleenbore 11 November 2002 
			 CoDrive Technologies Ltd. 7 June 2001 
			 Collaborative Technology Ltd. 18 July 2002 
			 Computer Training and Business Support 24 November 2002 
			 Covus Engineering Steels, Aerospace and Energy Products 26 October 2001 
			 CS Tendering Services Ltd. 1 April 2002 
			 Cyberline International Ltd. 1 March 2001 
			 David Burns 25 February 2000 
			 De-Mining Systems UK Ltd. 27 October 2000 
			 DenMac Medical International Ltd. 22 October 2001 
			 Diagnostic Potentials 30 April 2001 
			 Digital Animations Group plc. 12 October 2002 
			 DNA Interactive Ltd. 24 February 2000 
			 Donnie McDonald — 
			 Dovetail 19 September 2000 
			 DSM Geodata 1 October 2002 
			 Dynamic Knowledge Corporation 11 December 2002 
			 ECom Scotland Ltd. 17 October 2001 
			 Ectopharma Ltd. 17 July 2001 
			 Edengene — 
			 Electronic Aromas Ltd. 16 April 2002 
			 Electro-Mechanical Assembly Ltd. 10 February 2001 
			 Electronic Arts — 
			 Enfocast Ltd. 1 June 2001 
			 Engineering Services (Paisley) Ltd. 10 February 2001 
			 Environmental Technology (Scotland) Ltd. 27 August 1999 
			 Evolon 7 August 2001 
			 Ezeeark Ltd. 18 July 2001 
			 Ferranti Photonics Ltd. 23 November 2001 
			 Fisher Powerware 25 March 2002 
			 Footle 18 October 2001 
			 Forth Ports plc 18 April 2002 
			 Frankipile S. Africa — 
			 Free Aqua 14 January 2002 
			 FreeForm Technology Ltd. 31 May 2001 
			 Frio Cooling Products/GPN Thermoelectrics 11 September 2000 
			 Fugro Structural Monitoring 24 October 2002 
			 Futo Ltd. 8 July 2002 
			 Fyne Diagnostics 27 November 2001 
			 Gemini Corrosion Services Ltd. 19 June 2001 
			 Gentech International — 
			 Glasgow Caledonian University 29 October 2002 
			 Gorham and Partners Ltd. 15 August 2001 
			 Greenhouse Ventures — 
			 Gulf Coast Seal (UK) Ltd. 28 August 2000 
			 Harris Hynd Ltd. 23 November 2000 
			 HCS Fluid Power Ltd. — 
			 Heriot-Watt University 7 November 2001 
			 Hi Cad Technical Services 4 February 2002 
			 I vision 9 March 2002 
			 Ian Dean 7 January 2002 
			 Iatros Ltd. 13 April 2000 
			 IceRobotics Ltd. 20 September 2001 
			 ICM Fortronics Ltd. 9 January 2001 
			 Image Fusion Systems Ltd. 16 October 2000 
			 Infinite Data Storage Ltd. 9 November 2000 
			 Innovative Engineering Systems Ltd. 31 August 2000 
			 Intelligent Earth — 
			 IRC Executive, Targeting Technology Ltd. 3 May 2002 
			 John Rae — 
			 Johnstone Castings and Engineering Ltd. 14 August 2002 
			 KOGG Caledonia 13 February 2001 
			 Kongsberg Simrad 23 August 2002 
			 KSMsuperclean 11 November 2001 
			 Kvaener Oil and Gas 20 March 2002 
			 LandRover/David McWha 28 March 2000 
			 Laplace 11 December 2002 
			 Leading Edge Advantage International Ltd. 31 May 2001 
			 Link Scotland 17 September 2002 
			 Linn Products Ltd. 26 February 1999 
			 Lux Biotechnology Ltd. 18 September 2002 
			 MacDuff Ship Design Ltd. — 
			 MacFarlane Packaging Ltd. 1 December 2000 
			 MacGregor Traders and Consultants Ltd. 1 December 2000 
			 MacTaggart Scott and Co. Ltd. 8 October 2001 
			 Malcolm Stevenson 15 September 2002 
			 Marketing Management Services International 5 October 2002 
			 MB Aerospace Ltd. 15 September 2002 
			 McCrindle Group Ltd. 25 October 2002 
			 Meiklewall Ltd. 7 December 2000 
			 Metron Technology — 
			 Milestone International Ltd. 21 November 2000 
			 Miller Methil Ltd. — 
			 Mine Ordinance Ltd. — 
			 Mission Technology Ltd. 22 August 2000 
			 MMC Marketing Consultants 13 August 2002 
			 MoTech Software Private Ltd. — 
			 Motherwell Bridge Group 15 August 2002 
			 Motorola 26 April 2000 
			 Mr. Ian Robertson 13 September 2001 
			 Murrell Dynamics Ltd. 1 September 1999 
			 NERAC 8 October 2000 
			 New Medical Technology Ltd. — 
			 New Product Technologies Ltd. 5 November 2001 
			 Newlands Technology Ltd. 7 December 2000 
			 Nickleby 28 October 2002 
			 NOI Scotland 19 July 2002 
			 NTTU Ltd. 14 June 2002 
			 Nutrior Ventures 23 October 2002 
			 NXT 3 December 1999 
			 Occo Nolf/Charlie Nolf 10 July 2002 
			 Ocean Power Delivery 9 November 2001 
			 Optima Enclosures Ltd. 18 July 2001 
			 Optimat 1 August 2002 
			 Orcam Engineering Ltd. 27 August 2001 
			 Oxley Systems — 
			 Partnerships UK 11 October 2002 
			 Peter Bradley 26 March 2002 
			 Photonic Materials 5 April 2002 
			 Plade Ltd. 11 September 2001 
			 Polaroid (UK) Ltd. 14 October 2001 
			 Prosyst Ltd. — 
			 Proven Engineering Ltd. 23 August 2001 
			 Psymetrix Ltd. — 
			 Qdos Media Ltd. — 
			 Q-One Biotech Ltd. 23 October 2001 
			 Quad Techns/University of Strathclyde 16 October 2002 
			 Randak Design Consultants — 
			 Raytheon 28 February 2002 
			 ReacTec Ltd. 9 November 2001 
			 Reactivise Ltd. 24 July 2002 
			 Realise e-Security Ltd. 15 May 2001 
			 Red Box Recorders 23 October 2002 
			 Reign of Sound 14 November 2001 
			 RIVIVO Ltd. 28 August 2000 
			 Robert McAnnanay 24 October 2002 
			 Rolls Royce — 
			 Root2 Ltd. 20 September 2002 
			 Scotlearn — 
			 Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian 7 November 2002 
			 Scottish Enterprise Network/Proof of Concept Fund 29 November 2001 
			 Scottish Mountain Rescue/University of Strathclyde 25 January 2002 
			 Sericol Ltd. 14 March 2002 
			 Shady Lady 25 July 2002 
			 Shell International Exploration and Production B.V. 11 February 2002 
			 Shell Live Wire — 
			 Simclar International Ltd. 18 October 2001 
			 Smartfloor UK Ltd. 1 August 2002 
			 Stenmar Sonavision Ltd. 9 July 2002 
			 Strathclyde Personal Alarm Company Ltd. 10 November 2002 
			 Sub Post-Office Initiative 16 June 2000 
			 Sustainable Technologies Group 29 January 2002 
			 Tannoy Ltd. — 
			 Tazco Ltd. 14 January 2002 
			 The Backload.com Ltd, 29 September 2001 
			 The Peak Group 30 October 2001 
			 The R.E.L.A. Invention — 
			 Thought Storm 10 January 2002 
			 TRAK Microwave Ltd. 1 June 1999 
			 Trevor Baylis Foundation — 
			 Triton Developments (UK) Ltd. 19 March 2002 
			 UKAEA 26 August 2002 
			 UltraTape — 
			 University of Stirling 26 October 2001 
			 University of Strathclyde 11 April 2002 
			 University of Strathclyde/Industrial Control Centre 10 March 2002 
			 Valentine Audio Visual 8 December 2000 
			 VeriSIM Ltd. 21 February 2002 
			 Version 7 3 August 2001 
			 Viscotest 17 May 2001 
			 Walker Precision Engineering Ltd. 13 August 2002 
			 Weidlinger Associates Ltd. 15 July 1999 
			 Westica Ltd. 16 May 2001 
			 Whiland Press Gratings 25 February 2002 
			 William Prestsell 10 January 2002 
			 Willie Gorman 18 October 2002 
			 Willmot and Associates 16 August 2000 
			 Wood Group — 
			 WSP Communications 26 February 2002 
			 Xantac Chemicals Ltd. — 
			 Zygomatics Ltd. 13 January 2002

Defence Procurement

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total expenditure was on procurement by each of the services in the last year for which figures are available; and how much of the procurement budget for each was spent in Scotland.

Lewis Moonie: holding answer 10 December 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 1 February 2002, Official Report, column 601W. The latest figures for XSea", XLand", XAir" and Xother" are still those for 1998–99. Ministry of Defence systems have been changing following the introduction (inter alia) of Smart Acquisition (formerly Smart Procurement) and the move from cash accounting to resource accounting and budgeting (RAB). Consideration has moved from recording and analysing inputs to the armed forces to providing capability. The latest DPA Accounts (HC13 dated 28 November 2002) show that under RAB in the financial year 2001–02, the following resources were expended:
	
		
			 FY 2001–02 # million 
		
		
			 Total expenditure 4,766 
			 Strategic deployment 1,376 
			 Strike 1,587 
			 Manoeuvre 1,134 
			 Information superiority 669 
		
	
	In addition to these sums, the Defence Logistic Organisation provides support to the front line.
	These categories are not broken down into spend in regional areas.

Departmental Staff

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) military personnel and (b) civil servants there are in his Deparment, broken down by region.

Lewis Moonie: The available information is given in table 1 below showing the position for the United Kingdom Regular Forces as at April 2002. For consistency table 2 shows Civilian Personnel as at April 2002 and in addition the latest information as at October 2002.
	
		Table 1 UK regular forces(13) by country and Government office region (GOR) as at April 2002 (all services)
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 United Kingdom 171,340 
			 By Government Office Region  
			 England 141,720 
			 North East 1,310 
			 North West 1,520 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 13,760 
			 East Midlands 7,510 
			 West Midlands 6,710 
			 Eastern 18,460 
			 London 6,670 
			 South East 49,990 
			 South West 35,790 
			 Wales 2,290 
			 Scotland 14,250 
			 Northern Ireland(15) 7,660 
			 Unknowns(15) 5,420 
		
	
	Notes:
	(12) All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.
	(13) Figures are for UK Regular Forces, both trained and untrained, located in the UK. They therefore exclude Gurkhas, Full-time Reserve Service personnel, the Home Service battalions of the Royal Regiment and mobilised reservists.
	2,291 Gurkhas deployed in the United Kingdom at 1 April 2002.
	1,986 Full-time Reserve Service Personnel at 1 April 2002
	3,645 Personnel in the Home Service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment at 1 April 2002.
	(14) Naval Service personnel on sea service are included against the local authority containing the home port of their ship.
	(15) The detailed figures have been compiled from unit statistics related to unit postcodes. For some units postcode information is either unavailable or inappropriate. These units include personnel who are known to be in Northern Ireland, so these have been added to the Northern Ireland total. The others are in the 'Unknowns' row.

El Alamein Memorials

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what financial support was given to UK veterans attending memorials in North Africa for the 60th anniversary of the battle of El Alamein; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: The Ministry of Defence provided support to the Eighth Army Veterans' Association (EAVA) to commemorate the battle and a service of thanksgiving was held in Westminster Abbey on 30 October; the MOD organised and funded the service. Two other events were also supported by the Department: a Commonwealth service to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the battle (held at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, El Alamein) and an international service (at the Italian War Memorial, near El Alamein). No financial assistance was given to veterans to visit Egypt.

Executive Agencies

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the expenditure was of each defence agency (a) in total and (b) in Scotland in the last available year; how many staff were employed by each agency (i) in total and (ii) in Scotland in that year.

Lewis Moonie: Information on expenditure by Defence agencies is contained in the annual report and accounts of each agency, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.
	Information on the number of staff employed by each agency is set out in the table:
	
		Staff employed by each agency (April 2002)
		
			 Agency Total strength Staff in Scotland 
		
		
			 UK Hydrographic Office 882 4 
			 Meteorological Office 2,091 146 
			 Service Children's Education 726 — 
			 Duke of York's Royal Military School 106 — 
			 Queen Victoria School 70 70 
			 Defence Analytical Services Agency 145 — 
			 British Forces Post Office 340 7 
			 Army Base Repair Organisation 2,019 82 
			 Defence Secondary Care Agency 593 4 
			 Ministry of Defence Police 3,262 818 
			 Naval Recruiting and Training Agency 1,003 11 
			 RAF Training Group Defence Agency 2,049 45 
			 Army Training and Recruitment Agency 4,250 104 
			 Defence Communications Service Agency 3,054 107 
			 Defence Estates 1,363 105 
			 Disposal Services Agency 78 3 
			 Defence Transport and Movements Agency 314 — 
			 Defence Science and Technical Laboratory 2,825 45 
			 Defence Dental Agency 158 9 
			 Medical Supply Agency — — 
			 Pay and Personnel Agency 665 — 
			 Defence Bills Agency 581 — 
			 Naval Manning Agency 106 — 
			 Defence Intelligence and Security Centre 135 — 
			 Army Personnel Centre 754 680 
			 Warship Support Agency 7,682 2,497 
			 RAF Personnel Management Agency 236 — 
			 Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency 229 109 
			 Defence Vetting Agency 262 3 
			 Defence Medical Training Organisation 169 — 
			 Defence Aviation Repair Agency 4,343 317 
			 Defence Storage and Distribution Agency 2,753 25 
			 Defence Housing Executive 935 88 
			 Defence Procurement Agency 3,726 134 
			 Defence Geographic Imagery Intelligence Agency 690 1 
			 Veterans Agency 879 14

Firefighters' Strike

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make an assessment of the range of equipment and clothing held by his Department to determine whether it enables it to (a) provide cover for services withdrawn by the fire brigades and (b) conduct firefighting operations for which it is responsible.

Adam Ingram: The Armed Forces have been supplied with suitable and adequate equipment and clothing to provide the agreed level of fire cover in the event of industrial action being taken by local fire brigades. When not in use the responsibility for such equipment rests with the Office of my right hon Friend the Deputy Prime Minister.
	The Defence Fire Services are also supplied with and maintain all the necessary equipment and clothing to conduct those operations for which they are primarily responsible.

Firefighters' Strike

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what his present estimates are for (a) the full costs and (b) the additional costs incurred by his Department in planning for and providing military personnel and equipment to cover for services withdrawn by the fire brigades; and what elements his Department has taken into account in calculating its costs incurred in providing such services;
	(2)  what the arrangements are for his Department to recover from the authorities responsible for the provision of such services its costs in providing services withdrawn by the fire brigades; and when he expects his Department to receive the repayments due to it from other authorities in respect of its costs in providing services withdrawn by the fire brigades.

Adam Ingram: It is too early to make even the broadest of estimates of how much the military assistance will cost at this stage, because the costs incurred during the actual strike periods have yet to be fully captured through the Ministry of Defence's central cost reporting system, and because we have no relevant historical examples to predict from. This prevents the Department from making any accurate costs estimates beyond those associated with the initial purchase of the urgent operational equipment necessary to equip the services.
	In that regard, in the run up to the strike we incurred costs of around #8 million on purchasing major items of equipment such as protective clothing, breathing apparatus and hydraulic cutting equipment.
	Under the rules that apply to operations of this sort, the Ministry of Defence will recover from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) the additional costs that are incurred in providing military assistance, ensuring that the operation is cost neutral so far as the defence budget is concerned.
	We expect to receive repayment for the additional costs incurred thus far by the defence budget on this operation once they have been reported, scrutinised and notified to the ODPM.

Iraq

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of the Common European Security and Defence Policy in the conflict with Iraq.

Geoff Hoon: As the Government have stressed repeatedly, no decisions have been taken with regard to military action in Iraq. Military action there is neither imminent nor inevitable. The European Security and Defence Policy allows the EU to launch military operations where NATO as a whole is not engaged. Any European Security and Defence Policy operation would be within the scope of the Petersberg tasks, which are defined in the EU Treaty as: Xhumanitarian and rescue tasks, peace-keeping tasks and tasks of combat forces in crisis management, including peacemaking".

Kuwait

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many troops have been deployed in Kuwait in each month since September 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 9 December 2002
	The number of armed forces personnel serving in Kuwait undergoes regular minor fluctuations as working practices and establishment requirements are generated or reviewed, and deployments start or finish for training, liaison and defence diplomacy purposes. The figures given are taken on or near the mid-month point.
	
		
			 Year Number 
		
		
			 September 2001 471 
			 October 2001 525 
			 November 2001 497 
			 December 2001 482 
			 January 2002 501 
			 February 2002 517 
			 March 2002 502 
			 April 2002 494 
			 May 2002 504 
			 June 2002 497 
			 July 2002 480 
			 August 2002 470 
			 September 2002 588 
			 October 493 
			 November 626 
		
	
	The numbers for September and November this year are higher than average because in both months Royal Engineers deployed to Ali Al Salem air base to undertake various necessary building works.

Networked Capabilities

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations have been made with the US Department of Defense on the development of network centric capabilities compatible with those being developed by the US.

Lewis Moonie: We are continuously engaged in consultation and co-operation with the United States to support the development of compatible (both technically and doctrinally) networked capabilities. Consultation takes place at a departmental level, between United Kingdom and US services and at individual project level.

Naval Procurement

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much (a) has been spent on naval procurement in each of the last five financial years and (b) is scheduled to be spent on naval procurement in each of the next five years.

Lewis Moonie: Figures for the amount the Ministry of Defence spent on defence equipment procurement for the years 1996–97 to 2000–01 were published by the Defence Analytical Services Agency (DASA) in XUK Defence Statistics" (copies of which are available in the Library of the House).
	Until 1998–99, this publication contained a split of the equipment procurement total by amount spent in each of four environments entitled Xsea", Xland", Xair" and Xother". This division did not however necessarily match the particular end destination of the equipment; for example not all Xsea" equipment was for use by the Navy—programmes such as the Nimrod Maritime Aircraft came under Xsea". XOther" referred to equipment not specific to a particular environment.
	Changes in accounting practice meant that it was not been possible to produce an environment split on a consistent basis after 1998–99. However, for the two years 1999–2000 and 2000–01, it has been possible to produce illustrative estimates of the split for the Xsea" environment using data from the MOD (cash) central ledger. Comparable data are not available beyond 2000–01 due to the introduction of resource accounting and budgeting.
	
		Equipment procurement expenditure and that for the Xsea" environment— VAT inclusive at current prices -- million
		
			  Net equipment procurement Of which: Sea equipment procurement 
		
		
			 1996–97 9,100 2,190 
			 1997–98 9,003 2,142 
			 1998–99 9,889 2,319 
			 1999–2000 9,715 *2,233 
			 2000–01 10,008 *2,211 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. All figures are inclusive of VAT, which cannot be recovered by the Department.
	2. Sea equipment is not only used by the Navy.
	Source:
	UK Defence Statistics 2002 apart from those marked with a *, which are illustrative estimates drawn from the MOD (cash) central ledger.
	The Ministry of Defence does not use categories such as Xnaval procurement" when producing plans as to possible future spend on equipment for the armed forces. Focus is instead on capability. Some information, including the estimated cost, of a number of major projects, including the future carrier, astute submarine and the Type 45 destroyer, is however published each year in the National Audit Office's XMajor Project Report". The 2002 report was published on 4 December.

Nuclear Weapons Tests

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many former British service people and military medical auxiliaries have been identified from (a) research conducted by or on behalf of his Department and (b) medical statistical data compiled by the former medical division of the Department of Social Security as suffering from the conditions (i) duodenitis and (ii) duodenal ulcer associated with or caused by exposure to irradiation from British atmospheric nuclear tests.

Lewis Moonie: No specific analysis of the incidence of these medical conditions among those who participated in the British atmospheric nuclear tests has been carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. In the 1993, National Radiological Protection Board report NRPB-R266, entitled XMortality and Cancer Incidence 1952–1990 in UK Participants in the UK Atmospheric Nuclear Weapon Tests and Experimental Programmes", deaths from duodenal ulcer and duodenitis were included in the category, Xother diseases of the digestive system", and are shown in Table 6.10 of the report. The table shows a total of 46 deaths in this category in the cohort of test participants up to the end of 1990.
	No medical statistical data have been compiled by the former medical division of the Department of Social Security of nuclear test veterans suffering from these conditions associated with, or caused by, exposure to irradiation from British atmospheric nuclear tests.

Overseas Personnel

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military personnel are serving overseas; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: I refer the hon. Member to tri-service publication 6: XGlobal Location of Service Personnel" (TSP 6), a copy of which is held in the Library of the House and is updated on a quarterly basis.

Far East Prisoners of War

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the children of the Far East Prisoners of War (COFEPOW) in respect of the wish of the COFEPOW organisation to promote a memorial and cultural building at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Lewis Moonie: I have responded to a number of letters from hon. Members whose constituents, as members of COFEPOW, have expressed an interest in this subject.

Far East Prisoners of War

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make an ex gratia payment to far eastern ex-civilian prisoners of war whose great grandparents were born in the UK.

Lewis Moonie: The eligibility criterion for the ex gratia payment scheme in relation to former civilian internees held by the Japanese during World War II is that either they, or at least one of their parents or grandparents, should have been born in the United Kingdom. We have no plans to extend the criterion back another generation.

Private Finance Initiative

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what major (a) variations and (b) delays there have been to the Private Finance Initiative contract for (i) the Electronic Messaging Service (Armymail) and (ii) TAFMIS (IT), since the contracts were signed; what has been the cost of the changes and delays; whether the partners in the PFIs were required to meet these costs; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what major variations and delays there have been to the Private Finance Initiative contract for (a) the RAF Fylingdales (power), (b) RAF Lyneham Sewerage, (c) the medium support Helicopter Aircrew Training facility, (d) the DFTS, (e) the Electronic Messaging Service (Armymail) and (f) the Joint Services Command and Staff College, since they were signed; what has been the cost of the changes and delays; whether partners in the PFI were required to meet these costs; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: As this information is not held centrally, officials are working with the individual project teams to collate the data required, which may take some time to complete. I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

QinetiQ

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the proposed savings over 25 years by QinetiQ in respect of test and evaluation services are broken down by (a) site and (b) expense category.

Lewis Moonie: The total savings contractually agreed with QinetiQ for the duration of the Test and Evaluation contract are expected to be in the order of #685 million at current prices. QinetiQ's plans for Aberporth, Llanbedr and West Freugh have already been announced and the associated savings are provided in the table. The figures cannot be broken down by each individual expenditure category without disproportionate costs being incurred.
	
		# million 
		
			  Saving  
			 Site Manpower Other Total 
		
		
			 Aberporth 86 41 127 
			 Llanbedr 60 90 150 
			 West Freugh 93 70 163 
		
	
	Information on savings at other sites is currently commercially sensitive.

QinetiQ

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 5 December, Official Report, column 85WS, on QinetiQ, if he will set out the calculation of the adjustments made in the assets and liabilities of QinetiQ prior to setting its sale price; if he will set out the final conditions to which reference is made; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the Carlyle Group bid to become a strategic partner in QinetiQ.

Lewis Moonie: As outlined in my statement of 5 December, Official Report, column 85WS, the transaction values QinetiQ at around 500 million. As is conventional, this valuation was done on a debt-free/cash-free basis. The actual receipt to the Ministry of Defence will therefore be adjusted to take account of a number of factors including: any debts owed by the company, any liabilities for which provision currently exists in the accounts, any cash held by the company and working capital to the extent this is above/below the company's normal level. The precise details of the adjustments are commercially sensitive.
	As is normal in any major transaction there are a number of conditions that must be satisfied between signing and formal completion. These include: laying before Parliament of a Departmental Minute describing any contingent liabilities from the transaction; receipt of EC commission merger clearance; local authority searches and other legal issues relating to property and confirmation of the purchaser's financing arrangements. Certain other conditions exist but as these are commercially sensitive I am withholding them in accordance with Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.
	I am also withholding a copy of The Carlyle Group bid in accordance with Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

RAF (Flying Charges)

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the hourly RAF charge is to Government Departments for flying with 32 (The Royal) Squadron in (a) BAe 125 and (b) BAe 146 aircraft, broken down into (i) engineering and airframe costs, (ii) costs incurred for handling, landing and navigation services at civil airports, (iii) fuel and (iv) crew subsistence costs.

Adam Ingram: The following table shows the breakdown of the hourly charge to Government Departments for flying with the BAe 125 and BAe 146 aircraft of 32 (The Royal) Squadron:
	
		# per hour 
		
			  BAe 125 BAel46 
		
		
			 Engineering and airframe 374 681 
			 Handling, landing and navigational services at civil airports 122 91 
			 Fuel 196 559 
			 Crew subsistence 27 197 
			 Other 21 46 
			 Total 740 1,574 
		
	
	Note:
	VAT is added to the BAe 125 charge for internal United Kingdom flights.
	Since 1999, this Government has published on an animal basis the overall cost of all Ministers visits overseas and a list of Cabinet Ministers' visits overseas costing more than #500. The list makes clear when RAF flights have been used and the cost of such travel is included in the published overall annual cost. Copies of the lists are in the Libraries of the House.
	All travel is conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code.

RAF Fylingdales

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment was made in the preparation of the analysis of the security of an upgraded RAF Fylingdales, in paragraphs 80–83 of his Department's discussion paper on missile defence, of whether an enhanced Fylingdales facility would present a more attractive terrorist target.

Geoff Hoon: We keep the terrorist threat to all military installations under constant review. We do not consider that the upgrading of RAF Fylingdales for missile defence purposes will significantly change any terrorist threat to the facility.

RAF Reserve

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 9 December, Official Report, column 17, what plans he has to bring the training and mobilisation of the RAF reservists together with those of the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Marines at the Reserve Training and Mobilisation Centre, Nottingham.

Lewis Moonie: Although opportunities for harmonisation are kept under review, there are currently no plans to bring the training and mobilisation of RAF reservists together with those of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army at the Reserve Training and Mobilisation Centre, Nottingham. Volunteer members of the Reserve Air Forces are mobilised as individuals through the RAF station on which they are based, and where the necessary personnel and pay documentation is already held. In this way, mobilisation and the task of additional training, if required, is absorbed within existing resources. This also allows the reservist to be trained alongside any regular RAF personnel deploying on the same operation.

Recruitment (Health Criteria)

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which health conditions automatically disqualify applicants for a career in the armed services; what the recruitment criteria are for those with poorer eyesight; whether glasses are permitted as correctional treatment; what proposals there are to change the recruitment criteria so that people with a non-serious or mild asthma condition can have a career in the armed services; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: The principle applying to health conditions is that new entrants must be fit to serve anywhere in the world, in all environments and in locations where medical care may be limited or remote and medical resupply uncertain, or impossible. Many conditions, especially those controlled by medication or other intervention, which may not limit civilian employment are, nonetheless, incompatible with military service.
	The following conditions make a person unsuitable for enlistment:
	Chest disorders
	Asthma, wheeze or asthma symptoms (and treatment) during the previous four years. Chronic lung disease (e.g. emphysema, bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis). Active tuberculosis (TB).
	Back problems
	Spinal surgery (including internal fixation or fusion). Recurrent low back pain. Spina bifida.
	Bone or joint problems
	Meniscectomy within the last year. Surgical repair of a knee cruciate ligament. Lower limb fractures with internal fixation still in place. Loss of a limb. Complete loss of a thumb. Total loss of either big toe. Any degree of clubfoot (including past surgery). Chronic joint diseases (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout). Reiter's disease in last five years. Osteochondritis dissecans.
	Eye disorders
	Chronic eye diseases (e.g. glaucoma, keratoconus, retinitis pigmentosa). Squint surgery in last six months. Corneal problems (e.g. corneal graft and recurrent corneal ulcers). Loss or dislocation of eye lens. Cataract or cataract surgery. Detached retina.
	Ear disorders
	Presence of eardrum ventilation tubes or grommets. Current perforation of eardrum. Chronic ear diseases (e.g. cholesteatoma).
	Abdominal problems
	Chronic abdominal diseases (e.g. Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis). Kidney disorders (e.g. horseshoe kidney, polycystic kidney disease and kidney stones). Donation of a kidney in last two years. Kidney disease in last two years.
	Neurological disorders
	Epilepsy or more than one seizure/fit after the age of five. Single seizure/fit in the last four years. Multiple sclerosis.
	Skin problems
	Malignant melanoma or skin cancer within last two years. Active skin disease (e.g. eczema and widespread psoriasis).
	Pregnancy
	Current pregnancy or childbirth in the last three months.
	Chronic blood disease
	Sickle cell disease. Congenital spherocytosis. Thalassaemia. HIV seropositivity/AIDS. Carriers of hepatitis B or C. Past history of leukaemia or malignant lymphoma.
	Psychiatric problems
	Schizophrenia. Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Alcohol or drug dependence. Post-traumatic stress disorder.
	Other conditions
	Loss of spleen (splenectomy). Transplanted organs. Severe allergic reactions and/or anaphylaxis requiring adrenaline injection precautions. Nut allergy. Circulation problems (e.g. raynaud's phenomenon or disease). Diabetes. Diseases (e.g. glandular or hormonal) requiring long-term medication or replacement therapy.
	This list is not exhaustive. An application may be rejected due to other medical conditions which are subject to the discretion of Service Medical Authorities.
	Applicants with vision corrected by glasses or contact lenses are generally acceptable. However, certain trades and professions require more stringent standards. For example, drivers requiring a Type 2 licence have to meet DVLA standards. Higher standards still are applied to pilots and other technical military roles.
	As detailed in the list only individuals who have been free of asthma symptoms for a minimum period of four years will be able to join the armed forces. Notwithstanding this, medical entry standards are continuously reviewed against any new developments within medicine with supporting evidence and/or research being considered. Nevertheless, we have no plans to change the present medical entry standards relating to asthma.
	The armed forces are responsible employers and aim to meet the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This means that they must ensure that recruits are not put at increased risk of injury or illness during their service due to a pre-existing medical condition.

Reserves Hardship Fund

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to increase the monetary ceiling of the Reserves' Hardship Fund.

Lewis Moonie: Reservists called out into permanent service may apply for financial assistance in the event that their military salary is less than their earnings in civilian life. This assistance is paid in the form of a Reserve Standard Award (RSA). RSA is paid in banded rates that are related to a Reservist's rank. The current rates are set out in the Reserve Forces (Call-out and Recall) Financial Assistance Regulations (Statutory Instrument 1997/309). Work is in progress to raise the current bands to reflect the increases in inflation since these were brought into effect, and provide for automatic adjustment in line with inflation. It is currently planned to introduce the revised regulations early in 2003. Reservists are also eligible to apply for a Reserve Hardship Award (RHA) if the RSA alone would cause his/her dependents hardship. There is no ceiling for RHA payments.

Sponsored Reserves

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the role will be of the sponsored reserves; and if he will make a statement.

Lewis Moonie: The sponsored reserves concept involves a service normally provided in peacetime under contract by civilian staff employed by a contractor being provided on operations by staff drawn from the contractor's civilian workforce who have volunteered to become sponsored reservists. It envisages letting contracts for services on condition that the contractor maintains in his workforce an agreed element of staff who will have volunteered to become sponsored reservists. Should it be necessary to do so, these sponsored reservists would be called-out and serve alongside the armed forces. Their role as sponsored reservists is to continue to provide the contracted support services to the armed forces in an operational environment. They receive appropriate military training in peacetime to equip them to deliver the support required when called out for operations. The details of the individual roles of sponsored reservists will be reflected in their civilian employment contract and the contracts between the employer and the Ministry of Defence.

Submarines

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total spending has been on the programme to re-fit Britain's nuclear submarines; and how much has been spent on each submarine.

Adam Ingram: I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Submarines

John Lyons: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he plans to take in response to the National Audit Office report on submarine refitting at Devonport.

Adam Ingram: The report, while acknowledging that lessons for future projects have been identified by the Ministry of Defence, made a number of further recommendations. These are being considered in detail and, where appropriate, will be applied to MOD projects.

West Freugh Airfield

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many employees at West Freugh Airfield and Range were employed by (a) the Ministry of Defence, (b) QinetiQ and (c) other contractors on 24 July.

Lewis Moonie: The following staff were employed at West Freugh on 24 July 2002: 24 from the Ministry of Defence; 141 from QinetiQ; and five from another contractor (SERCo Aerospace).

Wind Farms

Mr. Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many objections to (a) offshore and (b) onshore wind farms his Department has lodged with relevant planning authorities.

Lewis Moonie: The Ministry of Defence has lodged four formal objections with planning authorities for onshore wind farms and no formal objections for offshore wind farm development.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Anti-TNF Drugs

Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many rheumatoid arthritis patients in Northern Ireland are on consultants' waiting lists to assess their condition for the prescription of anti-TNF drugs; and how much funding is available for the prescription of anti-TNF drugs in Northern Ireland.

Des Browne: There is no waiting list for rheumatoid arthritis patients awaiting assessment for anti-TNF drugs. However, as of December 2002, there are approximately 260 patients who have already been assessed as likely to benefit from anti-TNF therapy, but have not yet begun this form of treatment.
	Currently, some #1.14 million is employed by health and social services boards and trusts specifically for anti-TNF drugs. An extra #3 million was recently made available to boards and has been made recurrent, in recognition of the exceptional cost of new, effective but highly expensive drug therapies including anti-TNF drugs. Following the Secretary of State's budget announcement on 11 December 2002, further funding will be made available when requirements have been agreed with service providers.

Anti-TNF Drugs

Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessments are being carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of anti-TNF drugs; and what the timetable is for anti-TNF drugs to be made more widely available.

Des Browne: All patients on drug treatments are regularly monitored and treatment regimens are reviewed to assess effectiveness and possible side effects. Further funding for acute services was announced in the Secretary of State's Budget statement on 11 December 2002. Some of this will be made available for patients who could benefit from anti-TNF and other specialist drugs treatments and also for the infrastructure required to support these treatments. I expect anti-TNF drugs therefore to become more widely available next year.

Asbestos Leakage (SEELB Building)

Roy Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Health and Safety Executive statement of fact and the full report into asbestos leakage at the SEELB HQ building, Dundonald will be published.

Jane Kennedy: I have been advised that the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) will communicate the findings of its investigation directly to all parties involved in this incident before the end of December 2002.

Armed Forces (Welfare Support)

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures the Government have introduced to support the families of (a) UDR and (b) RIR soldiers murdered by terrorists.

Lewis Moonie: I have been asked to reply.
	There are a number of measures to support the families of members of the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) and the Royal Irish Regiment (R IRISH). Widows/widowers may be compensated under two schemes, the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) and the War Pensions Scheme (WPS). In addition, the R IRISH have a unique, stand alone Regimental Welfare Organisation that is specifically structured to provide dedicated welfare support to its bereaved families. This welfare structure, which is directly funded by the Ministry of Defence, links into the various agencies that provide support to the rest of the Army.
	Apart from Government support, there are two regimental benevolent funds in operation, the UDR Benevolent Fund and the R IRISH Benevolent Fund. The aims of both funds are the same, namely to provide help and support to the families and soldiers of the regiment, former soldiers and their families and the bereaved families of those soldiers or former soldiers killed as a result of terrorist action.

Rates

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will calculate what revenue would be generated in Northern Ireland by increasing (a) domestic regional rate, and (b) non-domestic regional rate by one percentage point above current levels.

Ian Pearson: The revenue generated by increasing the domestic regional rate by 1 per cent. would be #1.2 million and the revenue generated by increasing the non-domestic regional rate by 1 per cent. would be #2.1 million.

Spending Review

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list for his Department (a) those Comprehensive Spending Review 1998 targets that were outstanding at the time of the statement on the Comprehensive Spending Review 2002, (b) progress on such targets since then and (c) the expected date when targets not yet achieved will be met.

Ian Pearson: All targets set in the context of the 1998 CSR relate to responsibilities devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive in December 1999. The CSR targets were superseded from 2001–02 onwards by the Executive's Programme for Government which sets priorities, objectives and targets for the Northern Ireland departments.

Wind Farms

David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the grid references are of the location of the landfall for the proposed offshore wind farm at Tunes Plateau; if Coleraine, Limavady, Londonderry and Moyle local authorities will be consulted on the proposed development of the wind farm; and if he will make a statement on the planning process for the proposed development.

Ian Pearson: It is not possible to provide grid references of the location of any landfall for the Tunes Plateau offshore wind farm because a wide range of potential options are still being considered from an engineering and environmental perspective. No decision on any potential landfall can be made until completion of the following studies:
	NIE's wind farm connection feasibility studies;
	Ornithology and ecology studies (covering both marine and onshore elements);
	Geotechnical and geophysical studies (covering both marine and onshore elements);
	Marine and onshore archaeology studies; and
	Coastal processes and seabed assessments.
	Coleraine, Limavady, Londonderry and Moyle councils were fully consulted during completion of the scope for the environmental impact assessment and will continue to be consulted as further information about the impact of this project comes to light.
	Any developments relating to wind farms which require planning permission will be processed in accordance with current planning procedures; and policies in relation to public advertisement, neighbour notification and council consultation will apply. To date the Department of the Environment has not received such an application.

Wind Farms

David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the source and amount of grants provided to the proposed offshore wind farm development at Tunes Plateau; and what the expected long-term savings to the electricity consumer in Northern Ireland through the proposed development of a wind farm at Tunes Plateau will be.

Ian Pearson: A private sector consortium comprising B9 Energy, Renewable Energy Systems and PowerGen are carrying out, at their own expense, extensive feasibility studies into the possible development of an offshore wind farm at Tunes Plateau. The project has pre-qualified with the Department of Trade and Industry to be considered for assistance from the UK offshore wind Capital Grant Scheme to ensure that grant aid could be provided from that fund if the development proceeds and it proves necessary.
	The precise nature and size of any offshore wind farm will emerge following the conclusion of the feasibility assessment that is currently ongoing. Until the completion of the feasibility assessment no precise calculations can be made about the volume of electricity that might be generated from the project. Calculations of long-term savings in electricity costs could only be made in the context of certainty regarding the final design of, and output from, the project and taking into account factors such as the costs of grid connection, the alternative costs of electricity from other sources and fossil fuel prices (which are subject to fluctuation).

Wind Farms

David Burnside: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the (a) life span, (b) financial costs and (c) environmental impact of decommissioning offshore wind farm sites.

Ian Pearson: The design life of offshore wind turbines and infrastructure assets is typically considered to be 20 to 25 years.
	Capital costs for offshore wind farms are of the order of #1,000,000/megawatt (MW) installed. This will vary considerably from site to site according to the foundation designs employed, the depth of water at the site and other aspects of the nature of the project site. The report, XAssessment of Offshore Wind Energy Resources", commissioned jointly by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment and the Department of Public Enterprise in the Republic of Ireland, estimated that costs per installed megawatt (MW) (excluding decommissioning) for typical projects around the island of Ireland ranged from #840,000 to #1,080,000.
	There has not yet been an off-shore wind farm decommissioned anywhere in the world, it is not therefore possible to accurately determine the costs of decommissioning.
	The environmental impact of decommissioning an offshore wind farm is very site-specific and directly related to the foundation options employed during construction.
	However the actual environmental impacts of offshore wind farms including impacts associated with decommissioning have been assessed in the report XAn Assessment of the Environmental Effects of Offshore Wind Farms" completed by the Environmental Technology Support Unit in 2000 for Metoc (ETSU/W35/00543/RP, 2000).

TREASURY

Customs and Excise (Agency Agreements)

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a list of the agency agreements in place between HM Customs and private companies.

John Healey: HM Customs and Excise hold and maintain a list of agency agreements with Intellectual Property Right holders to fulfil their obligations under EC Regulation 3295/94 as amended by EC Regulation 241/1999.
	The disclosure of this information would prejudice the enforcement operations of HM Customs and Excise in tackling groups and organisations committed to counterfeit, pirating or patent infringing activities. Exemptions 4 and 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information apply.

Annuities

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change his policy on annuities; and what plans he has to give people buying annuities more (a) choice and (b) flexibility.

Ruth Kelly: As promised in the pre-Budget report, the Inland Revenue consultation document on simplification of the taxation of pensions published today, alongside the pensions Green Paper, contains proposals to expand choice and flexibility in the annuities market.

Congestion Charging

Christopher Chope: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 26 November, reference 81821, what information he estimates is necessary in order to make an estimate of the cost.

John Healey: holding answer 2 December 2002
	To estimate the cost of tax relief information would be needed about the amount of the user charges incurred for each year which qualified for tax relief and about the tax position of those claiming relief.

Inflation Target

Howard Flight: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he intends to review the Monetary Policy Committee's inflation target.

Paul Boateng: Under the Bank of England Act 1998, the Treasury is required to specify the inflation target each year. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer last reviewed the remit for the Monetary Policy Committee at the time of the Budget in April.

Inland Revenue (Large Business Office)

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much of the revenue collected by the Large Business Office in each of the last five fiscal years was (a) tax, (b) interest and (c) penalties; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The Inland Revenue does not keep a separate record of the total revenue attributable to taxpayers whose affairs are handled by the Large Business Office.

National Insurance Records

Steve Webb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 27 November, Official Report, column 315W, on CR74, why (a) 3.5 million national insurance records were no longer needed, and (b) 1.3 million records required further checking; and how long the 3.5 million national insurance records that were no longer needed were in circulation after the date on which they should have been withdrawn.

Dawn Primarolo: The Inland Revenue keeps more than one record for a customer when the circumstances warrant it, but processes are in place to check and keep records updated as part of normal customer service. National insurance records were not affected by CR74. The exercise simply brought together the information on separate tax records relating to individual taxpayers and created a single tax record for them. As a result, a total of 3.5 million records were no longer needed. 1.3 million records require further checking to confirm that the correct National Insurance Number is being used. It is not possible, except at disproportionate cost, to find out how long records existed before being brought together as part of CR74.

Savings Directive

Graham Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 12 December 2002 (Ref. 87201), if he will give the reasons why Bermuda was not included in the list of dependent or associated territories agreed at the Feira European Council for the purposes of the Savings Directive.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to the hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) on 12 December 2002, Official Report, column 475W).

Spending Review

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for his Department (a) those Comprehensive Spending Review 1998 targets that were outstanding at the time of the statement on the Comprehensive Spending Review 2002, (b) progress on such targets since then and (c) the expected date when targets not yet achieved will be met.

Paul Boateng: The Department publishes progress against all its outstanding PSA targets in its departmental report (Cm 5425 June 2002) and autumn performance report (Cm 5665 Dec 2002) published after the announcement of the Spending Review.

Tax Credits (Leigh)

Andy Burnham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people will be eligible to claim (a) child tax credit and (b) working tax credit in the Leigh constituency; and what he estimates the total annual financial budget will be to Leigh of each of these measures.

Dawn Primarolo: Nine out of 10 families with children will be eligible for the child tax credit, to be introduced in April 2003.
	Estimates of the number of families with children expected to benefit from (a) the child tax credit and (b) working tax credit by Government Office Region are shown in the table below.
	
		Thousands 
		
			 Government Office Region Number of families expected to benefit from the child tax credit Number of families expected to benefit from the working tax credit 
		
		
			 North East 290 70 
			 North West and Merseyside 750 210 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 540 150 
			 East Midlands 380 90 
			 West Midlands 500 130 
			 Eastern 460 90 
			 London 700 130 
			 South East 670 140 
			 South West 470 130 
			 Wales 320 80 
			 Scotland 430 90 
			 Northern Ireland 220 50 
			
			 Total 5,750 1,350

Thalidomide

Ross Cranston: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many beneficiaries of the Thalidomide Trust live in (a) West Midlands and (b) the Dudley MBC.

Dawn Primarolo: The information requested is not available.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Animal Rights Activists

Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps the Government have taken to protect medical research companies against the actions of animal rights activists.

Patricia Hewitt: The Government are determined that animal rights extremists will not prevent companies carrying out legitimate business in the UK and that these companies will be protected from intimidation and harassment. In recognition of the exceptional circumstances Huntingdon Life Sciences Group plc have found themselves in, the DTI has previously agreed to provide banking facilities for Huntingdon Life Sciences Group plc. The DTI is now extending its support to facilitate the provision of insurance services to Huntingdon Life Sciences Group plc on a worldwide basis. Both these actions have been taken to secure Huntingdon Life Sciences Group plc from the harm caused by the criminal intimidation and assault being directed at its employees, including their families and friends, and also those of its suppliers, customers and other companies. Huntingdon Life Sciences Group plc is a world-leading provider in the highly regulated area of essential research, development and toxicological testing services for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical industries. Any commercial damage to these industries or their supporting services, like Huntingdon Life Sciences, would have a very serious impact on UK scientific and medical research. The DTI is not using commercial insurance companies or brokers at this time and is providing insurance through its own resources.

Combined Heat and Power

Mr. Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the impact of the New Electricity Trading Arrangements on the CHP sector.

Brian Wilson: The most recent data on CHP output can be found in the DTI and National Statistics Publication, the X2002 Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics". This states that 'good quality' CHP electricity output in 2001 had declined by 17 per cent. on the level recorded in 2000 and that the annual growth rate of installed capacity slowed to about 0.8 per cent.
	May I also refer my hon. Friend to the Government's response of 4 April 2002 to the consultation on NETA and smaller generators and to Ofgem's review of the first year of NETA, where the impact of NETA on CHP is discussed in the chapter concerning smaller generators.
	I am also concerned about the impact on manufacturing investments to the energy sector. The forthcoming Energy White Paper will give the opportunity to discuss these issues in more depth.

Consumer Credit Act

Tony Colman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the annual cost was in England and Wales of trading standards activity on consumer credit and finance and the enforcement of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 in each year since 1997.

Melanie Johnson: The trading standards activities of local authorities are funded through the revenue support grant, and the allocation of resources to individual trading standards functions is a matter for each local authority to determine. It is therefore not possible to state the annual cost in England and Wales of trading standards activity on consumer credit and finance and the enforcement of the Consumer Credit Act.

Consumer Credit Act

Tony Colman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  what the annual costs of the OFT were in relation to the implementation of its activities under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, in each year since 1997;
	(2)  what the annual income generated for the Office of Fair Trading was from licensing of organisations under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, in each year since 1997.

Melanie Johnson: The Office of Fair Trading's income from its licensing activities under the Consumer Credit Act 1974 for each of the last five financial years was:
	1997–98: #4,116,713
	1998–99: #4,088,375
	1999–2000: #3,801,851
	2000–01: #3,406,593
	2001–02: #3,846,120
	During the same period, the annual costs to the OFT of its functions under the Act were:
	1997–98: #3,829,503
	1998–99: #4,063,273
	1999–2000: #4,128,732
	2000–01: #4,565,000
	2001–02: #5,379,415

Debt

Tony Colman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the annual costs to public funds were of (a) Citizens Advice Bureaux and (b) money advice centres, in relation to individuals in debt in (i) England and Wales and (ii) the UK in each year since 1997; what proportion of these costs relate to (A) consumer credit and finance and (B) creditor organisations licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

Melanie Johnson: Individual Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABx) are not funded by Central Government. Each local CAB is a separate independent charity funded usually by local authorities, charitable trusts etc.
	DTI funds both the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB) and Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS). NACAB and CAS provide both focus and support for the work of the CAB Service in England, Wales and Scotland. NACAB and CAS also provides training services and IT support to CABx, and is responsible for setting the standards of membership for the service. DTI expects to provide NACAB with grant-in-aid funding of #17.1 million, and CAS with grant-in-aid funding of 2.8 million in this financial year.
	In addition, #14.55 million is paid for money advice to individuals in debt in the UK.
	DTI (jointly with Treasury, Scottish Executive and the Lord Chancellor's Department) provide #1.15 million to fund the National Debtline Pilot. Between 1 March and 10 December 2002, it has helped 18,403 clients. Of these, 90.9 per cent. of calls were from England and Wales, with the remainder being from Scotland and Northern Ireland;
	The Legal Services Commission (LSC) spent #9.9 million in 2001–02 on payments to not-for-profit organisations providing money advice in England and Wales; and
	The Scottish Executive are supplying #3 million per annum to provision front line specialist money advice across Scotland. They are also providing an additional #500,000 per annum for provision of central support for the sector (i.e. training/secondary advice/common standards etc).
	Due to the way in which the figures are collected, it is impossible to give a meaningful breakdown of what proportion of funding is used in relation to consumer credit and finance, and creditor organisations licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  what action the Government is taking outside the UN to ascertain information regarding the alleged breaches of the OECD guidelines on multinational enterprises by UK companies referred to in the UN Panel of Experts' report on resource exploitation in the DRC;
	(2)  what the response was from the UN to the Government's request for information from the UN Panel of Experts on the illegal exploitation of natural resources of the DRC regarding the alleged breach of OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises committed by UK companies;
	(3)  what information has been requested by the Government from the UN Panel of Experts of resource exploitation in the DRC regarding the alleged breach of OECD guidelines by United Kingdom companies; and on which (a) individuals and (b) companies information has been requested;
	(4)  when the Government first requested information from the UN Panel of Experts on the illegal exploitation of natural resources of the DRC regarding alleged breaches of the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises committed by United Kingdom companies as listed in Annex III of their report; and to whom this request was made.

Melanie Johnson: We are seeking more information from the UN panel before considering what action we might want to take.
	The UK, along with other members of the Security Council, has asked for more information on the claims made in the Panel's latest report. We have asked specifically for information on the allegations made against UK companies and nationals. We have yet to receive this material.
	The current Panel's mandate expired when it submitted its last report (18 October 2002). There is currently no mechanism or process in place to take forward the Panel's work. We are pressing, through discussions at the UN, for a speedy resolution to this administrative problem.
	We have asked for details of the basis for designating the 12 British companies appearing in Annex III. Annex III is a list of all the entities the Panel considers to be in breach of OECD guidelines. None of these entities are individuals.
	The United Kingdom Mission to the United Nations requested additional information from the UN Panel of Experts about companies allegedly in breach of OECD guidelines in Security Council consultations on 24 October 2002.

DRAX Power Station

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason Ofgem arranged for National Grid Transco to purchase 25 per cent. of the output of the DRAX power station; whether (a) she and (b) her officials were consulted about these arrangements; and if she will make a statement.

Brian Wilson: I understand that as part of its contingency planning associated with the financial difficulties experienced by TXU Energy, NGC assessed the risk to security of supply in the very short term of a significant volume of generation becoming unavailable to the electricity system.
	On this occasion, NGC considered that it was appropriate to enter into contractual arrangements to ensure that there was sufficient contingency reserve. I understand that NGC has explained its actions at its recent Operational Forum for market participants.

Steel Industry (Future Aircraft Carrier)

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the ability of the UK steel industry to meet the demands of the future aircraft carrier project.

Alan Johnson: The UK steel industry produces a range of products for use in marine applications, including naval vessels. However the exact specification of the steel required for the future aircraft carrier project is not known at present. This will be a matter for the prime contractor, when appointed.

Care Homes

Martin Caton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry from when the regulations introducing a VAT concession for commercially-provided home care will apply.

John Healey: I have been asked to reply.
	Commercially provided care for people in residential and nursing homes has been exempt from VAT since the introduction of the tax in 1973. The Government have no plans to change this exemption.

Newspaper Distribution

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she expects to receive the Office of Fair Trading review of the Code of Practice on Newspaper Distribution.

Melanie Johnson: The Office of Fair Trading published its review of the Code of Practice on newspaper distribution on 12 December. Its provisional recommendation, that selling-on should be fully liberalised, is now open to a further period of public consultation until 14 March 2003.

Official Travel

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total expenditure of (a) his Department and (b) its agencies was on official travel in 2001–02.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 3 December 2002
	Since 1999, the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing #500 or more during each financial year. The Government have also published on an annual basis the cost of all Ministers' visits overseas. Details of travel undertaken during the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 was published on 24 July 2002, Official Report, column 75W. The cost of Ministers' visits overseas for 2002–03 will be published as soon as possible after the end of the current financial year. Copies of the lists are available in the Libraries of the House.
	All travel is undertaken fully in accordance with the rules set out in the 'Ministerial Code' and 'Travel by Ministers', copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

Official Travel

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total budget of (a) her Department and (b) its agencies is for official travel in 2002–03.

Patricia Hewitt: holding answer 3 December 2002
	Since 1999, the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing #500 or more during each financial year. The Government have also published on an annual basis the cost of all Ministers' visits overseas. Details of travel undertaken during the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002 was published on 24 July 2002, Official Report, column 75W. The cost of Ministers' visits overseas for 2002–03 will be published as soon as possible after the end of the current financial year. Copies of the lists are available in the Libraries of the House.
	All travel is undertaken fully in accordance with the rules set out in the 'Ministerial Code' and 'Travel by Ministers', copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

Post Office Card Accounts

Ian Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the PIN numbers to be used by post office cards will be on a number pad on the counter; and how partially sighted and blind people will be able to use the new system.

Stephen Timms: The matters raised by this question fall within the day to day responsibility of Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Post Office Card Accounts

Jackie Lawrence: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to promote the use of post office card accounts; and when she expects information on the accounts to be available in post offices.

Stephen Timms: The post office card account is one of a range of accounts which people will be able, from next year, to receive benefit payments into. Our aim is that people should be able to choose the option which suits them best. Information about all the options is being supplied to customers by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Inland Revenue. When it is their turn to change the method of benefit and pension payments, the Government will be writing to customers with information which clearly sets out their account options and enables them to freely choose the account that is right for them. The migration programme will last two years beginning in 2003.

Post Office Card Accounts

Jackie Lawrence: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what banks and building societies have registered as Post Office banking partners; and what other banks are expected to become partners by April 2003.

Stephen Timms: All the major banks and the Nationwide Building Society have signed contracts with Post Office Ltd. to make their own basic bank accounts accessible at post offices. The Post Office already provides banking services on behalf of Girobank/Alliance and Leicester, Barclays, Lloyds TSB, the Co-operative Bank and the Internet banks smile and cahoot. This (paper based) service enables customers of these banks to make deposits and cash cheques at post offices free of charge.

Postcodes

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what new postcode areas have been introduced in each decade since 1972.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 16 December 2002
	The first postcodes were introduced on a trial basis in Norwich in 1959. The Postcode Address File (PAF) owned by Royal Mail contains over 27 million addresses with over 1.7 million postcodes.
	There are currently 124 postcode areas, 3,000 postcode districts and 9,700 postcode sectors.
	In 1972 there were 120 postcode areas. Since that time Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man have been postcoded (JE, GY and IM) respectively. The IM and GY postcodes date from 1993 and the JE ones from 1994. The only other new postcode area to be added since 1972 was HS for the Hebrides which was introduced in 1995 to overcome specific quality of service problems.

Postcomm

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has made to Postcomm on their recent proposals.

Stephen Timms: The Government has a clear interest as the shareholder in Royal Mail Group. The Department therefore made a response to Postcomm's recent consultation document on the proposal for a second price control. The response concerned the financial package that the Government is putting in place to enable the mails business to implement its renewal plan.

Recruitment Consultants

Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria she uses to assess the performance of the recruitment consultants employed by her Department.

Patricia Hewitt: Recruitment consultants are appointed, through a competitive tendering process, for all my Department's major external recruitment campaigns. This enables the Department to choose the most appropriate contractor for each specific situation. A call-off arrangement, negotiated by Cabinet Office, exists for recruitment consultants who specialise in appointments into the Senior Civil Service.
	The specification for the recruitment services to be provided is announced at an early stage, which provides a basis for assessing the performance of the contractor, and regular project meetings enable problems to be identified and solutions found. Performance is also assessed at the end of each campaign, and any lessons learned are carried forward to the next.

Regional Development Agencies

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what targets have been set for regional development agencies in respect of encouraging innovation.

Alan Johnson: Targets for each Regional Development Agency (RDA) in respect of encouraging innovation are set through the corporate planning process. Targets set for 2002–03 and 2003–04 are available in the Libraries of the House.

Renewable Energy

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support since 1997 her Department has provided to facilitate the development of (a) geothermal, (b) wave, (c) tidal and (d) solar energy technologies.

Brian Wilson: holding answer 3 December 2002
	The table provides data on the financial support given by the Department to the technologies specified since 1997. No support is given, at present, to the development of geothermal technologies; however, funding is available for grid-connected early pre-commercial wave and tidal stream projects and innovative solar photovoltaic schemes. This is, in addition, to the funding that is also available under my Department's New and Renewable Energy Programme, which calls for proposals for research and development projects that align with the long-term technology strategies developed in partnership with industry, academia and other key stakeholders.
	
		# million 
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 
		
		
			 Geothermal 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
			 Wave 0.00 0.09 0.01 0.33 0.66 
			 Tidal 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.31 
			 Solar 1.66 0.98 1.73 1.40 2.70 
		
	
	The figures for support for wave and tidal in 2000–01 and 2001–02 have been revised recently.

Royal Mail

Tim Yeo: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the accumulated surpluses of Royal Mail Holdings were and how much were paid (a) in and (b) out of the surplus in each year since its formation.

Patricia Hewitt: The company that is now known as Royal Mail Holdings plc was incorporated on 20 September 2000. It acquired all the shares in what was then Consignia plc on 26 March 2001. Movements in the accumulated surpluses during financial periods since that date are shown in the table.
	
		
			  Reduction in surplus (reserves) Accumulated surpluses (reserves) 
		
		
			 26 March 2001 953 3,299 
			  953  
			 31 March 2002 953 2,346 
			  478  
			 29 September 2002 478 1,868 
		
	
	Note:
	The reductions in the accumulated surpluses were due to exceptional items.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Class Sizes

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidelines her Department has laid down for class sizes in practical subjects.

Ivan Lewis: My Department's safe practice guidance for practical subjects does not set down maximum pupil numbers. Sizes of practical groups and pupil teacher ratios are matters for local education authorities and schools. They are required to assess risks to health and safety and should take account of potential hazards; the ages and abilities and special educational needs of the pupils; and relevant safety regulations in relation to the accommodation, equipment and activities.

Construction Industry Training Board

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the judgment by Mr.Justice Keith on 23rd November 2001 in respect of the future of the construction industry training board levy.

Ivan Lewis: The judgment by Mr Justice Keith has shown clearly that the definition of XContractors' Plant" as defined in the Industrial Training (Construction Board) Order of 1964 is clear and unambiguous and that the Construction Industry Training Board had acted in accordance with the provisions of the legislation.

Sangatte

Michael Portillo: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how far the education of children from Sangatte admitted to the UK under special arrangements will be the responsibility of local education authorities; what estimate he has made of the cost; and how local education authorities will be compensated by central government.

Stephen Twigg: holding answer 16 December 2002
	Local education authorities will be responsible for the education of children from Sangatte as they would for any other child. They have a legal duty to ensure that education is available for all children of compulsory school age in their area, irrespective of a child's immigration status or rights of residence.
	No estimate has been made of the cost, but the number of children is likely to be small, so local education authorities will be able to meet the cost of educating these children from their current budgets. Furthermore, as was announced on 5 December, there is to be an increase in education funding for the next financial year.

Grammar Schools

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the (a) secondary modern schools and (b) other non-selective schools in local education authority areas where there are grammar schools which have been awarded (i) beacon school status and (ii) specialist school status since 1 May 1997.

David Miliband: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries.

HIV/AIDS

Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department plans to take to improve awareness of HIV and the need for better sexual health practices among younger people.

Stephen Twigg: Teaching about safer sex remains one of the Government's key strategies for reducing the incidence of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Strategies for teaching about HIV/AIDS are covered by our Sex and Relationship Education Guidance which was sent to all schools in July 2000. These include helping pupils to clarify their knowledge and enabling them to become effective users of services that help prevent and treat STIs and HIV.
	A report earlier this year by the Office for Standards in Education recommended that coverage of HIV and AIDS in schools is enhanced. We have responded to the report by commissioning practical guidance for teachers on HIV and STIs.

Language Teaching

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when his Department will publish its policy on language teaching in primary schools.

Stephen Twigg: holding answer 16 December 2002
	The Department will shortly be publishing its National Language Strategy. The strategy will set out how we will drive forward our agenda, outlined in the 'Language learning' pamphlet published earlier this year, to reverse the cycle of underperformance and transform this country's capability in languages.

Specialist Subject Teachers

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures he is taking to support and develop the skills of teachers in specialist subjects.

David Miliband: These skills are supported and developed through several funded programmes. The Key Stage 3 strategy is focused on developing the skills of teachers in the national curriculum core and foundation subjects in all secondary schools. Generally, higher education institutions and other providers, including some subject associations, are funded to run postgraduate professional programmes in a number of priority areas, including secondary core and foundation curriculum subjects and specialist teaching in Key Stages 1 and 2. In partnership with the Wellcome Trust we are creating a national network of science learning centres to support the professional development of science teachers and science technicians.
	The Department's Continuing Professional Development Strategy also funds schemes that support the professional development of individual teachers in areas of their choice. The strategy includes: 500 bursaries, available to all teachers in their fourth and fifth years in the profession; Best Practice Research Scholarships of up to #2,500 a year for around 1,000 teachers who submit proposals of appropriate quality; six-week sabbaticals for teachers with more than five years experience in challenging schools; a pilot Early Professional Development scheme—in 12 LEAs—which offers up to #3,000 for professional development to teachers during their second and third years in the profession. Teachers can, and often do, choose to spend their bursaries and scholarships on activities that develop their subject specialist knowledge and skills.
	We will be producing a consultation paper in the New Year on strengthening support for subject specialism.

Spending Statistics

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average spending is on each child in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) England and (ii) Devon.

David Miliband: The following table shows the latest available information:
	
		Average net current expenditure (after recharges) per pupil in maintained primary and secondary schools
		
			 LEA/area name Primary Secondary 
		
		
			 Devon 2,300 2,930 
			 England 2,440 3,060

Standards Fund

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the elements of the standards fund for the current financial year, showing the total (a) spent and (b) budgeted under each heading.

David Miliband: Budgets for each of the Standards Fund grants for 2002–2003 are shown in the following table. Information about the total spent for each grant is not available.
	
		The Standards Fund 
		
			  
		
		
			  
			 School Improvement 136,709,004 
			 Social Inclusion: Pupil Support 84,549,663 
			 Special Education Needs 42,119,994 
			 Sick Children and Children in Public Care 5,193,316 
			 Teenage Pregnancy 4,999,999 
			 Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Prevention 10,438,860 
			 Study Support (National) 28,637,894 
			 Study Support (Excellence in Cities) 18,999,999 
			 Child Protection Co-ordinators 1,325,000 
			 Behaviour and Improvement Programme 50,003,000 
			 National Literacy Strategy 38,888,251 
			 National Numeracy Strategy 38,850,044 
			 Key Stage 3 Strategy 96,464,450 
			 Ethnic Minority Achievement 81,057,034 
			 Traveller Children Achievement 8,135,041 
			 Year 6 Booster Classes 52,677,620 
			 Education Health Partnerships 9,819,993 
			 Qualifications 1,521,724 
			 LEA Music Services 59,633,546 
			 Playing for Success 1,813,365 
			 Early Years Training and Development 7,020,009 
			 Early Excellence Centres (Recurrent) 8,194,327 
			 Early Excellence Centres (Capital) 3,347,208 
			 Adult: Pupil Ratios in Reception Classes 10,985,930 
			 School Achievement Awards 58,900,210 
			 Nursery Schools Project 4,906,484 
			 Training for Educational Visits Coordinators 2,355,600 
			 Children of Asylum Seekers 2,050,500 
			 Excellence in Cities (EiC) and Excellence Clusters 174,542,990 
			 Gifted and Talented Summer Schools 3,816,000 
			 Specialist Schools (Recurrent) 109,184,260 
			 Specialist Schools (Capital) 20,350,000 
			 Beacon Schools 40,168,850 
			 Pupil Support Allowances 8,988,00 
			 Pupil Learning Credits 19,637,587 
			 Partnerships between Grammar and non-selective Schools 308,477 
			 City Learning Centres (Recurrent) 17,165,477 
			 City Learning Centres (Capital) 21,800,000 
			 Excellence Challenge 17,230,556 
			 Small Education Action Zones 27,456,891 
			 Diversity Pathfinders 920,150 
			 Extended Schools 5,000,000 
			 Induction of newly qualified teachers 35,510,699 
			 Teacher Recruitment Incentives 26,288,585 
			 Training Schools 4,189,000 
			 Advanced Skills Teachers (ASTs) 23,421,468 
			 Performance Management and Threshold Assessment 14,474,890 
			 Teaching Assistants 102,757,478 
			 Small Schools Fund 41,082,080 
			 Teacher Recruitment and Retention Fund 44,001,000 
			 Teacher Sabbaticals 9,762,000 
			 Early Professionals Developments Pilot Programme 6,056,182 
			 Welcome Back Bonuses 680,702 
			 Transforming School Workforce (TSW) Pathfinder 3,784,311 
			 Fast Track Payments 318,000 
			 National Grid for Learnng (NGFL) 181,524,946 
			 Infant Class Sizes (Capital) 1,527,402 
			 Infant Class Sizes (Recurrent) 143,899,459 
			 NDS Devolved Formula Capital 363,336,677 
			 Seed Challenge Capital 60,000,000 
			 Staff Workspaces 11,999,998 
			 Learning Support Units (Non EiC) 9,987,269 
			 New School Security Projects 9,999,996 
			 Fresh start and new partnerships (Recurrent) 7,562,157 
			 Fresh start and new partnerships (Capital) 11,683,362 
			 Condition Funding 349,412,444 
			 Information Management Strategy 7,039,908 
			 Key Stage 2 class size recurrent funding 6,906,229 
			 Key Stage 2 class size capital funding 18,630,026 
			 Capital funding for nursery education in disadvantaged areas 19,938,691 
			 Capital Projects 58,999,102 
			 Laptops for teachers 59,846,307 
			 Electronic registration systems in secondary schools 9,678,140 
			 e-Learning Credits 29,929,186

TEC Assets

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the disposition of TEC assets.

Ivan Lewis: The Department's accounts have now been audited by the NAO and are due to be laid before the House in January 2003.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Adoption

Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children were allowed into the United Kingdom from overseas countries for adoption by United Kingdom residents during the last 12 months, broken down by country.

Beverley Hughes: Information on the number of children admitted to the United Kingdom from overseas countries for adoption is not currently available.
	The most up to date information that is available covers the number of children given indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom on the basis of adoption. This number excludes those children given limited leave to remain and who are subsequently adopted through the UK courts, becoming British citizens on the date that the final adoption order is made.
	A total of around 25 adopted children were given indefinite leave to remain in 2001. The nationalities of the children were:
	Australia
	Brazil
	Canada
	Cyprus
	Ghana
	Guatemala
	India
	Malawi
	Mexico
	Morocco
	Pakistan
	Philippines
	St. Vincent and the Grenadines
	South Africa
	Thailand
	Turkey
	United States of America
	Yemen
	Zambia
	Zimbabwe
	There were fewer than 10 cases for each nationality.

Animal Experiments

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications made under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were rejected in each year from 1991.

Bob Ainsworth: Our central database only holds the requested information for the last two years. This shows that two applications were formally refused, both in 2001. One was for a project licence and the other for a personal licence. Over the same period 115 project licence applications, 54 personal licence applications and one application for a certificate of designation have so far been recorded as not proceeded with.
	A feature of the regulatory regime under the 1986 Act is the discussion that often takes place at an early stage between applicants (or prospective applicants) and the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate. This means that proposals unlikely to meet the Act's stringent requirements are revised or withdrawn before formal refusal becomes necessary.

Cannabis

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the survey conducted by the Schools Health Education Unit on cannabis use by younger teenagers.

Bob Ainsworth: The survey suggests many 14 to 15-year-olds thought cannabis was 'safe' to use. Most young people are aware of the enormous dangers involved in using Class A drugs but they often overlook the longer-term damage to health caused by smoking cannabis, particularly when it is smoked on a regular basis. We will be making sure that the harm it causes is communicated—young people need to know the dangers that all drugs cause.
	This is one of the reasons why reducing the frequent use of any illicit drug has been included within the updated drug strategy target for young people. Government Departments are now looking at how best to convince young people about the health risk associated with cannabis use.
	The Department for Education and Skills will be revising its guidance to schools on the delivery of drug education and the revised guidance will be available in September 2003. We will also be working with youth media and health organisations to make sure the health risks associated with smoking cannabis are much more widely understood.

Correspondence

Jane Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 7 November, Official Report, columns 824–25W, when he will write to the hon. Member for Reading, East.

Beverley Hughes: A letter was sent on 16 December 2002.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 28 October from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mohammad Delowar Selinan.

David Blunkett: I wrote to my right hon Friend on 16 December 2002.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 24 October from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. Nisar Ahmed.

Beverley Hughes: I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 17 December 2002.

Criminal Records Bureau

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the staffing levels are at the Criminal Records Bureau.

Hilary Benn: There are 1,158 staff employed in the Criminal Records Bureau at its Liverpool and Darwen sites, comprising staff employed by the agency, Capita and sub-contractors.

Criminal Records Bureau

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications to the Criminal Records Bureau from addresses in postcode areas CO1, CO2, CO3 and CO4 are awaiting processing; what is the average time the applications have been delayed; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: holding answer 9 December 2002
	As at 9 December, there are 562 Disclosure applications awaiting processing from applicants who live in postcode areas C01, C02, CO3 and C04. The average delay is estimated to be eight weeks, although this includes a significant number of applications which have been returned to the applicant for more information which is still awaited. On average, recent correctly completed applications are taking five weeks to process.
	Delays in the Disclosure process continue to be a subject of some concern. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's independent review team are taking a fundamental look at all aspects of the Criminal Records Bureau's (CRB's) operation with a view to identifying medium to long term improvements. They will report to the Home Secretary shortly.
	The CRB has already implemented a range of improvements to processes and working practices and the intensive focus on improvements is already yielding results. Over the last two weeks the CRB has been averaging around 43,500 Disclosures per week, which is double the weekly output issued by the police under the previous arrangements. Since 11 March the CRB has received 1,023,000 applications and issued over 755,000 Disclosures.

Smuggling

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there have been (a) in Nottinghamshire and (b) in the United Kingdom for the smuggling of (i) heroin, (ii) cigarettes and (iii) cannabis, in each of the last three years.

Bob Ainsworth: The information requested is not available in the form requested. Her Majesty's Customs and Excise figures show that the number of persons sentenced for all offences of smuggling tobacco within the United Kingdom was 884 in 2000–01 and 431 in 2001–02. Figures are not available on a comparative basis for such offences before 2000–01, and there are no figures available by county or police force area.
	Such information as is currently available on drug 'trafficking' offences in Nottinghamshire and Great Britain is given in the table. Drug 'trafficking' offences normally include the illicit production of drugs and the illicit cultivation of cannabis plants, but these are outside the definition of smuggling and have been excluded.
	
		Table: Persons convicted of 'trafficking' offences involving heroin and cannabis, Nottinghamshire and Great Britain, 1998–2000
		
			  Nottinghamshire Great Britain(16) 
			 Drug and offence 1998 1999 2000 1998 1999 2000 
		
		
			 Heroin 
			 Unlawful supply 12 68 69 1,378 1,760 1,832 
			 Possession with intent to supply unlawfully 24 38 55 1,311 1,454 1,502 
			 Unlawful import/export(17) n/a n/a n/a 38 34 (18)110 
			 Cannabis   
			 Unlawful supply 48 55 40 3,038 2,701 1,886 
			 Possession with intent to supply unlawfully 86 61 60 4,898 4,206 3,282 
			 Unlawful import/export(17) n/a n/a n/a 313 315 (18)451 
		
	
	(16) Conviction data from 1997 onwards are not currently available for Northern Ireland.
	(17) Data from Her Majesty's Customs and Excise are only available at a UK level.
	(18) Estimated from court appearance data for England and Wales.
	Sources:
	Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Court Proceedings Database and Drugs and Alcohol Research Unit

Ethnic Minority Women's Voluntary Organisations

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the number of ethnic minority women's voluntary organisations in the UK; and how many of these have benefited from regeneration programmes such as health action zones.

Beverley Hughes: Government statistics are not kept on the number of ethnic minority women's voluntary organisations in the United Kingdom. However the Council for Ethnic Minority Voluntary Organisations (CEMVO), an umbrella organisation funded by the Home Office to provide services to the black and minority ethnic (BME) voluntary and community sector had 444 BME women's organisations run by women on their database as of 9 December 2002.
	Information for the number of ethnic minority women's voluntary organisations which have benefited from Health Action Zones or other regeneration programmes is not available centrally. Many programmes do however support marginalised groups and have strategies in place to increase their participation. In 2001 for instance, 560 (36 per cent.) of the 1,555 community champions funded by the Community Champions Fund were from BME communities, a success attributable to strategies such as simple application form and positive role models.
	The voluntary and community sector (VCS) makes a vital contribution to tackling deprivation and promoting community cohesion. We are working across Government to further increase our support for the sector. Race equality has been placed in the mainstream of all areas of neighbourhood renewal and regeneration. We are also raising awareness of the Compact, the framework for effective partnership working between Government and the VCS, and are developing a more robust evidence base for marginalised sectors such as BME women's groups so that all parts of Government can better respond to the VCS's requirements.

Extradition Applications (France)

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications have been received from France for extradition of persons to face terrorist charges, in each of the last 5 years; when each application was received; what progress has been made; what the reasons are for delay in process; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 9 December 2002
	In the past five years, France has made requests for the extradition of three persons accused of charges relating to terrorist activity.
	One request made in March 1996 led to the fugitive's surrender to France in March 1998.
	In another, a request made in April 2001 has just completed its judicial stages. The fugitive now has a statutory opportunity to make representations to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary as to why his surrender should not take place. Those representations are awaited.
	In the remaining case, there are two outstanding requests. The first covers three separate requisitions made in November and December 1995 and in February 1996. Following lengthy proceedings, a decision in October 2001 to order surrender was quashed in June 2002 by the courts. We are awaiting a response from French authorities on matters raised by the judgment in order that the case may be reviewed. A further request for extradition, involving additional charges, was made in the same case in October 2001. That matter is still before the courts.
	A Bill to streamline and modernise current extradition procedures is now before parliament.

Immigration Officers (Waterloo Station)

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether immigration officers based at Waterloo station will be permitted to continue to work at Waterloo in the event that they decline to work in France or Belgium.

Beverley Hughes: Officers of all grades will continue to be deployed at Waterloo International while there is a continuing business and operational need.
	There will be opportunities for staff who are not willing to work overseas in France or Belgium to transfer to other locations.

Immigration Officers (Waterloo Station)

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the working month of immigration officers based at Waterloo station who undertake work in France and Belgium will be spent at either venue; and what extra allowances or salaries will be paid.

Beverley Hughes: Officers of all grades undertake juxtaposed immigration control duties on a voluntary basis. On average officers currently perform one such duty per week. In early 2003 local management at Waterloo will commence trials which will test a four night and a nine night package in France. These trials will last six months. We are unable to comment on the frequency that staff will be expected to carry out these duties until the results of these trials have been evaluated.
	In addition to their salary, staff receive overtime payments for excess hours worked and a locally agreed subsistence allowance to cover additional out of pocket expenditure. The Department meets hotel costs.

Immigration Officers (Waterloo Station)

Humfrey Malins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if immigration officers based at Waterloo station will be obliged to agree to undertake work in (a) France and (b) Belgium.

Beverley Hughes: Officers of all grades based at Waterloo undertake juxtaposed immigration control duties in France and Belgium on a voluntary basis. At present officers stay one night overseas.
	In early 2003, local management at Waterloo will trial a range of options to determine a more efficient means of staffing juxtaposed controls in France and Belgium. A trawl seeking volunteers to take part in these trials will be published early in the new year. We will evaluate the trial after six months and do not rule out compelling staff to work in France and Belgium should there be insufficient volunteers.

Iraqi Asylum Seekers

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Iraqi asylum seekers he estimates had their applications refused during the 1997 to 2001 Parliament.

Beverley Hughes: There were 12,550 initial decisions on Iraqi asylum applications during the period 1 May 1997 and 31 May 2001. Of these 6,175 were refused. There are no reliable data available in this period for the number of Iraqis who subsequently appealed, and the decisions of those appeals.
	Information on asylum applications and initial decisions is published quarterly. The next publication will cover the period October to December 2002, and will be available from 28 February 2003 on the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1 .html.

Wormwood Scrubs (Max Glatt Unit)

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of the Max Glatt Unit at Wormwood Scrubs prison in increasing health standards.

Hilary Benn: There has been no research into the effectiveness of the Matt Glatt Unit in increasing health standards.

Passports (Children in Care)

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passports were issued to children in (a) the care of UK local authorities and (b) long-term foster care during each of the last five years.

Beverley Hughes: This information is not held by the United Kingdom Passport Service.

Passports (Children in Care)

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he plans to review procedures for issuing passports to children in long-term foster care with birth parents who are not contactable.

Beverley Hughes: No. The UK Passport Service requirements that parental consent is given before a passport is issued to a child and that evidence of an appropriate court order be produced before accepting consent form a local authority social services department, are based on sound principles and are correct in law. It would be wrong for the UK Passport Service to attempt to decide whether or to whom parental rights have transferred in these circumstances; these are matters for the courts. The UK Passport Service is drawing up a guidance note for social services departments to clarify requirements for passport applications.

Passports (Children in Care)

Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on procedures used to issue passports to children in long-term foster care; and what assessment has been made of the extent of delays in the process.

Beverley Hughes: British passports are issued to children only when parental consent is given. If an application for a child's passport is made by anyone other than the child's parents, the United Kingdom Passport Service (UKPS) must establish either that the applicant has parental rights or that a person with parental rights has given consent. In most cases where a child is in foster care parental rights are not transferred to the foster parent. The UKPS therefore advises the local authority to make the application in such circumstances and give details of the care order or other court order which deals with the issue of parental rights. Applications in which this information is provided are not delayed.

Prison Population

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment his Department has made of the need to revise (a) short-term and (b) long-term predictions of growth in the prison population in light of the Criminal Justice Bill; upon what information such an assessment was made; what action his Department intends to take to meet changes in the growth of the prison population; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: We have not made final decisions about implementation of the measures in the Criminal Justice Bill, but on the basis of the modelling which has been undertaken to estimate the impact of the sentencing reforms and the cost of the Bill, we do not expect them to generate significant increases in the prison population. On current assumptions, the impact on the prison population of implementing the sentencing reforms would be broadly flat with a small reduction in places in late 2004 and early 2005, followed by a modest increase of up to 1,000 places between mid-2006 and early 2009, levelling out once the reforms have bedded in.
	The Review of Correctional Services is addressing a wide range of questions regarding effectiveness and value for money and is developing a strategy for managing prison population pressures and containing its future growth. The impact of proposals in the Criminal Justice Bill are being considered in the context of the review. The prison population projections will be revised when firm implementation dates for new policy initiatives have been set. The prison service will then be in a position to work up plans for delivering the capacity needed to meet the revised projections.

Prison Visits

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has concluded his review of the guidance PSO 440, relating to visits by close relatives to prisoners; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: It is assumed that the hon. member is referring to Prison Service Order (PSO) 4400 and not 440 as set out in the question. The Prison Service is reviewing its child protection measures as set out in PSO 4400 as part of an overall long-term review of the management of dangerous offenders. A new Prison Service Instruction on public protection is likely to be complete in late summer 2003. There are no plans to abandon the policy disallowing visits to child sex offenders by children other than close relatives.

Prisoner Status

Annabelle Ewing: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  if UK citizens, regardless of domicile within the UK, have the same status and rights when held in prisons located in England;
	(2)  what the status is of Scottish domicile prisoners held in prisons in England.

Hilary Benn: holding answer 27 November 2002
	I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 28 November 2002, Official Report, column 428W.

Prisoners (Hospital Treatment)

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prison inmates have been taken to (a) Chorley Hospital and (b) Preston Hospital for treatment in the last 12 months.

Hilary Benn: The information is not held centrally and I will therefore write to my hon. Friend.

Race Discrimination

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many race discrimination cases against the Home Office have been received in the last three years.

Beverley Hughes: Details of race discrimination claims brought against the Home Office are not maintained centrally. However, the Treasury Solicitor's Department maintains a record of claims against the Home Office in which it is involved. It is not likely that there is a significant number of such cases in which the Treasury Solicitor's Department is not involved, and therefore the statistics from that office represent the most accurate estimate of claims against the Home Office. The table shows the number of race discrimination cases brought against the Home Office, including Her Majesty's Prison Service and the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, in the last three years, in which there was Treasury Solicitor's Department involvement:
	
		
			 Year Number of race discrimination cases 
		
		
			 2000 38 
			 2001 28 
			 2002(19) 27 
		
	
	(19) Up to and including 10 December 2002

Marsham Street Building (Redundant Concrete)

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration was given to requiring redundant concrete from the former Department of Environment building in Marsham Street to be transported to Dagenham by water.

Beverley Hughes: Arrangements for removal of redundant concrete from the former Department of Environment building in Marsham Street are the responsibility of the contractor, Annes Gate Property Plc (AGP), dealing with the demolition and then, on this site, construction of the new Home Office headquarters building. AGP, whose arrangements were approved under the planning permission given by Westminster city council, have commented that the current waste disposal routing via the road network, instead of by barge, is more environmentally compatible. The waste is loaded into the transport vehicles once only and is then transported to the recycling centre approximately six miles from the site. This procedure is much less complicated and involves much less loading and re-loading of waste than transportation by water. Moreover, currently there are no recycling centres with the capacity that AGP require situated along the river.

Community Cohesion

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is taking to reduce the extent of segregation between richer and poorer communities within UK cities.

Beverley Hughes: The Home Office plays a key role in the delivery of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy. One of the key long term aims of the strategy is to narrow the gap between the most deprived areas and the rest of the country. The Home Office intends to meet this aim through the activities and programmes it is putting in place to meet its own floor target to:
	Xreduce crime and the fear of crime; improve performance overall, including by reducing the gap between the highest Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership areas and the best comparable areas; and reduce:
	—vehicle crime by 30 per cent from 1998–99 to 2004
	—domestic burglary by 25 per cent from 1998–99 to 2005
	—robbery in the 10 Street Crime Initiative areas by 14 per cent from 1999–2000 to 2005; and maintain that level".
	The Community Cohesion Unit (CCU) and Race Equality Unit in the Home Office work closely with the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit (NRU) and the Urban Policy Unit on community cohesion and faith issues. For example, the CCU and NRU are jointly funding a two year Community Cohesion Pathfinders programme launched by myself in October. The programme will target 15 local authority areas—providing funding for the local authority, voluntary and community sector and (through the community champions scheme) for individuals in the locality. Bids are due in January.
	The Home Office is developing an action plan to put in place recommendations made in a Social Exclusion Unit report on ex-offenders published in July.

Visa Regime (Slovakia)

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to lift the visa requirement for visitors from Slovakia in advance of EU accession.

Beverley Hughes: Visa regimes are maintained only where they contribute to effective immigration control. The visa regime has proved effective in reducing the numbers of inadmissible passengers travelling to the UK from Slovakia. Following Slovakia's accession to the EU in 2004, all categories of Slovak nationals will enjoy rights of free movement and will not require a visa to come to the UK. In the meantime, the visa regime on Slovak nationals, as with all visa regimes, will be kept under review and will be lifted when we consider that the threat to our immigration control is at an acceptable level.

Woodhill Prison

Phyllis Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding his Department provided to Woodhill Prison in (a) 2001–02, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 1999–2000 to ensure prison health services meet the targets set jointly with Milton Keynes PCT in their health action plan.

Hilary Benn: Funding for health services was not separately identified within the overall budget allocated to Woodhill prison in the years in question.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Al-Qaeda

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on links between the Al-Qaeda terrorist group and representatives of the Iraqi regime.

Mike O'Brien: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor) on 10 December, 2002, Official Report, column 143. We believe that there are Al-Qaeda operatives in Iraq. We do not know their links to the Iraqi regime. Obviously in the circumstances it is difficult to establish this issue with clarity.

Al-Qaeda

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the (a) countries of origin and (b) background of the alleged Al-Qaeda terrorists who carried out the terrorist attacks on the USA on 11 September 2001.

Mike O'Brien: The terrorists who carried out the 11 September attacks were from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Lebanon. They were all male, ranged in ages from 20 to 33, and came from a variety of social backgrounds. Of the 19, the majority had links with Al-Qaeda. A senior Bin Laden associate claimed to have trained some of the hijackers in Afghanistan.

Arms Control and Disarmament Experts

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Arabic-speaking arms control and disarmament experts he has (a) on his staff and (b) on secondment to his Department.

Mike O'Brien: There is one Arabic speaking official currently working in the arms control and disarmament field in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He is not a secondee.

Border Guarantee Agreements

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what commitments the UK has made to the protection of the Belize state border; what level of co-operation there is between UK and local security forces; and what discussions have taken place with Belizian authorities regarding border protection.

Denis MacShane: Our commitment to Belize is to consult internationally in the event of a threat to Belize's security and to play an appropriate part in any response. This has been the UK's position since the withdrawal of the British garrison from Belize in 1994. We have a close relationship with the Belize Defence Force. The Ministry of Defence maintains an important jungle training school in Belize. The Governments of Belize and Guatemala are working closely under the auspices of the Organisation of America States (OAS) both to settle their long-standing territorial dispute and to agree on measures to build confidence on the border. We strongly support the OAS process.

Border Guarantee Agreements

Jimmy Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with which countries the UK has a border guarantee agreement; what proposals there are to extend these treaties; and what commitments the Government have made to the preservation of democracy in those countries.

Jack Straw: 127 bilateral treaties have been identified which refer to boundaries or borders to which the United Kingdom is or has been a party, concluded with 30 separate bilateral partners. Any obligation to guarantee an international border could only be determined by reference to each individual treaty.
	We are not aware of any impending treaties containing this provision.
	The United Kingdom has an historical and abiding interest in the maintenance of internationally-recognised and agreed borders, and is committed to the promotion of democracy and international stability.

EU Legislation

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many legislative measures have been enacted in the UK to implement European Union legislation in each year since 1992.

Denis MacShane: It would entail disproportionate cost to research and compile the number of legislative measures enacted each year in the UK directly implementing EC legislation.
	The picture is complicated. Some EC measures are directly applicable in the member states. Others require incorporation into national law. This is sometimes done by legislation, but on other occasions by administrative means. In yet other situations, domestic legislation which is being amended for other purposes, may also incorporate changes to reflect EU directives. This makes it extremely difficult to determine how many legislative measures have been introduced in the UK as a result of EC measures.

EU General Affairs Council

Jimmy Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council held on 9th December; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.

Denis MacShane: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on December 9 and 10. Conclusions were agreed by consensus and no formal votes were taken.
	General Affairs Session
	Progress of work in other Council Configurations
	The Council took stock of proceedings in other Council settings on the basis of the customary Presidency report. Regarding Justice and Home Affairs, particular attention was drawn to the Council's approval on 28 and 29 November of four negotiating mandates on readmission agreements with Albania, Algeria, China and Turkey and the EU Plan for Return to Afghanistan. The ECOFIN Council's approval of the 2003 draft budget was also highlighted.
	Preparation for the European Council in Copenhagen
	Enlargement
	The Council discussed the way forward for concluding accession negotiations with the candidate countries at the Copenhagen European Council on 12 and 13 December. The Presidency presented the results of informal consultations with the candidate countries, which, aided by the Commission, had led to 'packages' being put together for each country. The Council decided that negotiating issues concerning the global amount (including the financial consequences of the agricultural quota proposals) as well as the question of direct income support in agriculture, be submitted to the European Council in Copenhagen, with a view to finalising the Union position. Solutions proposed by the Presidency on all other matters were accepted by the Council. Member states considered the Presidency's offer extremely generous and noted that the Council could go no further.
	Use of languages in an enlarged Union
	The Council noted a Presidency report on the use of languages in the Council, in the context of an enlarged Union. The Council agreed that the report would be forwarded to the European Council in Copenhagen and that work would continue on the basis of the conclusions set out by the Presidency in the report. Annotated draft agenda of the European Council
	The European Council will focus on two items: enlargement (the completion of the first stage of the enlargement process and the conclusion of negotiations with ten candidate countries; the adoption of an enhanced accession strategy for Bulgaria and Romania including revised roadmaps and increased pre-accession assistance; and the next steps concerning Turkey's candidature); and the functioning of the Council in view of enlargement (with a discussion on the initial report by the Danish Presidency on the Presidency of the Council).
	Kaliningrad
	The Council adopted conclusions on Kaliningrad, as a follow-up to the EU/ Russia Summit of 11 November 2002. The Council reiterated its commitment to adopting necessary steps to implement the new arrangement on the Facilitated Transit Document (FTD) and the Facilitated Rail Transit Document (FRTD) before the signature of the Accession Treaty. This will be decided and developed in close consultation with Lithuania. The EU stands ready to provide financial assistance to Lithuania to cover additional costs of implementing the measures.
	Turkey
	Ministers discussed the next steps of Turkey's candidature for membership over dinner, noting the new government's orientation and reform agenda, taking into account the Copenhagen criteria.
	Annual operational programme of Council activities
	The Council discussed its draft operation programme for 2003, submitted jointly by the forthcoming Greek and Italian presidencies and contributed to by the Commission and European Parliament. The programme comes as a result of measures decided at the Seville European Council to improving the efficient functioning of the Council. Member states broadly welcomed the new initiative which identifies the following priority areas: enlargement and reform; reinvigorating Europe's economy; social cohesion while promoting sustainable development; and developing the European areas of freedom, security and justice.
	Inter-Institutional Agreement on better regulation
	The Council noted the Presidency's report on the state of negotiations between the Council, Commission and European Parliament, on an Inter-Institutional Agreement to improve the quality of Community legislation. (Issues addressed include improved co-ordination of the legislative processes, better programming regarding co-decision, greater transparency and publicity of work and the exploration of alternative instruments such as co-regulation and self-regulation by economic operators, social partners, NGOs and European associations.)
	So far, a broad common approach on the main parts of the Agreement has emerged. Work will continue at a technical level on other areas. The Greek presidency has been tasked with pursuing negotiations with a view to concluding the Agreement as soon as possible. External Relations Session
	Middle East
	SG/HR Solana and Commissioner Patten briefed the Council on the current Middle East situation in advance of ministerial discussion at both the Copenhagen European Council and the 'Quartet' meeting in Washington on 20 December.
	Western Balkans
	Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
	The Council welcomed recent progress on the draft Constitutional Charter and looked forward to early parliamentary approval. It registered concern at the outcome of the Serbian Presidential elections on 8 December and requested that the matter be resolved by all parties, constitutionally, transparently and democratically, safeguarding institutional stability and continued reform.
	FRY/Kosovo
	The Council welcomed the extension of UNMIK's direct administrative authority to Northern Mitrovica and commended the UN's Special Representative, Michael Steiner, and the Belgrade authorities for their efforts in achieving this encouraging result.
	Arms sales
	The Council reiterated its grave concern regarding arms sales that breached UN sanctions. It requested speedy and effective investigation into these matters and that responsible parties be brought to account. The Council reaffirmed the crucial importance it attaches to maintaining civilian control of military operations and urged all countries concerned to implement decisive legal and administrative measures to this effect.
	London conference on organised crime
	The Council welcomed the successful conference of 25 November, fully supported the priority actions identified by the conference and called for urgent implementation of the commitments subscribed to. The Council will draw on the Stabilisation and Association Process review mechanism and a wide range of regional initiatives to follow up on its commitments.
	Afghanistan
	Following discussion and briefing on the Petersberg conference, the Council adopted conclusions. These reiterated the Council's strong commitment to contributing to the full implementation of the Bonn Agreement and outlined existing challenges. Security continues to be a priority concern; the Council commended the 'Decree on the National Army' issued by the Afghan Transitional Authority (ATA). It also welcomed the declaration 'Rebuilding Peace in Afghanistan' adopted at the Petersberg conference on 2 December, and reiterated the importance of democratic values, pluralism and respect for human rights. It restated its commitment to working with other international bodies to eliminate the opium trade.
	Migration and development
	Commissioner Patten presented the Commission's communication on integrating migration issues in the EU's external relations policies, as a follow-up to the Seville European Council decisions. The Communication consists of an analysis of migration and development issues generally, and a report on the effectiveness of financial resources available at Community level. The Commission proposed that migration issues should be more adequately integrated into existing external relations policy and that supplementary financial effort should be made to accommodate this. COREPER has been tasked to examine the Communication and prepare a substantive debate for the Council early next year.
	EU/ Africa relations
	Ministers discussed EU/ Africa relations and, in particular, preparations for the next EU/Africa Summit due to take place in Spring 2003, over dinner. The troika will visit Africa to discuss further.
	Cyprus
	Ministers assessed the current state of play in negotiations on the UN Secretary General's settlement plan for Cyprus.
	ESDP
	The Council discussed EU/Nato relations and mandated SG/HR Solana to forward to NATO the text on the implementation of the Nice provisions, agreed at the Brussels European Council on 24 and 25 October. The Council also noted a draft Presidency report.
	Greenland: fisheries
	The Council heard a Commission presentation on the mid-term review of the fisheries protocol between the EU and Greenland. The Council noted that a decision on the proposals to adjust the protocol in the short term and to secure political commitment between the EU, Greenland and Denmark must be reached by the end of February 2003.
	AOB: WHO
	The Belgian delegation informed the Council of Dr. Peter Piot's (current Executive Director of UN AIDS programme) candidature for the position of Director General of the World Health Organisation.
	Items approved without debate
	EUPM
	The Council noted that in less than a month the EU Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina will undertake its first crisis management operation under ESDP and welcomed the double-hatting of the High Representative as EU Special Representative and his role in the EUPM chain of command. The UN Security Council has welcomed EUPM's succession to the UN's International Police Task Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
	European Union Special Representatives
	The Council extended the mandates of the five existing special representatives in the Middle East, African Great Lakes, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Afghanistan and Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, until June 2003.
	Cuba: 12th evaluation of common position
	The Council acknowledged the continuation of an open and constructive dialogue with Cuba on all issues of common interest. The Council noted that the Cuban Government had made no significant steps towards meeting the aims of the Common Position since the previous evaluation. EU policy objectives toward Cuba will remain encouraging Cuba's transition to a pluralistic and democratic system, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, lasting economic recovery and an improvement in the living standards of the population. The Council also strongly urged the Cuban Government to ratify the UN Covenants on Political and Civil Rights, and those on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
	Colombia
	The Council welcomed President Uribe's efforts to reform his country's institutions and to develop a fully functioning democratic state throughout Colombia, based on respect for human rights and the welfare and safety of all its citizens. The Council reiterated its support for seeking a negotiated solution to the conflict in Colombia and expressed the EU's readiness to assist in these areas. It expressed deep concern at the deterioration of human rights in the country and urged the Colombian Government to take effective action against impunity and collusion.
	Restrictive measures against Somalia
	The Council adopted a Common Position concerning restrictive measures against Somalia, prohibiting the sale or supply of arms and related material to Somalia by the member states. Technical, financial or other advice related to military activity is also prohibited.
	Mano River Union Region
	The Council noted that despite significant recent progress towards peace, democracy and reconciliation in Sierra Leone, instability in the sub-region is still of grave concern. The current situation in Liberia threatens the stability of the sub-region.
	The Council welcomes the regional peace process within the Mano River Union framework, facilitated by Morocco, but regrets that progress achieved so far is limited. The Council also welcomes the strengthening of the EU's political dialogue with the countries of the Mano River Union, through the appointment of its Special Representative in 2001. The EU is one of the key development partners for the region. Its main objective in the region is to contribute strategically to peace, security and stability as preconditions for sustainable development.
	Ukraine—common strategy
	The Council approved a report on the implementation of the Common Strategy on Ukraine, adopted in December 1999. The report addresses the main objectives of the EU's policy toward Ukraine as set out in the Common Strategy.
	European Union's activities in the Fight against terrorism
	The Council took stock of a Presidency report on the EU's anti-terrorism activities and directed its competent bodies to bring forward work on the report's recommendations. The main areas covered include: enhancing justice, security and protection of EU citizens; the fight against the financing of terrorism; and the EU's external action in the fight against terrorism. EU-Canada Summit
	The Council took stock of preparations for the Summit to be held on 19 December, in Ottawa.

Gibraltar

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what powers the Gibraltar Government has to (a) regulate financial services, with specific reference to pensions and (b) initiate referenda.

Denis MacShane: In relation to financial services, the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, established by the Financial Services Commission Ordinance of 1989, is charged with the responsibility of supervising institutions carrying out financial business in or from within Gibraltar. The Commission is appointed by the Governor with the approval of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.
	Providing the Government of Gibraltar is acting consistent with the Gibraltar Constitution, they are able to initiate local referenda if they so choose. We have made clear that Her Majesty's Government would, in consultation with the Government of Gibraltar, expect to oversee any referendum on a change in sovereignty, since any such change could trigger primary legislation in the UK.

Gibraltar

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those responsibilities of HM Government and the Crown to Gibraltar which are not devolved to the Gibraltar Government.

Denis MacShane: The Despatch to the Gibraltar Constitution Order of May 1969, a copy of which is in the Library of the House, sets out responsibilities which are devolved to the Government of Gibraltar.

Gibraltar

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which EC laws and regulations, other than those excluded by the 1972 Act of Accession, do not apply to Gibraltar.

Denis MacShane: Other than those areas of Community policy from which Gibraltar is excluded by virtue of the UK's Act of Accession, EMU does not apply, since the UK is not a member. Gibraltar airport is suspended from the scope of the following measures:
	Regulation 87/602: 1st Package—Market Access;
	Directive 89/463: Scheduled Inter-Regional Air Services;
	Regulation 2343/90: 2nd Package—Market Access;
	Regulation 294/91: Operation of Air Cargo Services between Member States;
	Regulation 2408/92: 3rd Package—Market Access;
	Regulation 95/93: Slots;
	Directive 96/67: Access to Ground Handling Market;
	Regulation 925/99: Hushkits; and
	Protocol of accession of the European Community to the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL).

Gibraltar

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on pension regulation in Gibraltar.

Denis MacShane: The Gibraltar Commissioner for Income Tax is responsible for the regulation of pension schemes. The Financial Services Commission supervises businesses carrying out investment and asset management and administration.

Indonesia

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Indonesia regarding (a) the imprisonment of Lesley McCulloch and (b) human rights in Aceh province.

Mike O'Brien: We have raised Lesley McCulloch's case on a number of occasions and at a high level with the Indonesian authorities; most recently on 2 December when my noble Friend the Baroness Amos raised concerns about the delay in the court proceedings with the Indonesian Charge d'Afaires in London.
	We welcome the recent signing of a peace agreement between the Government of Indonesia and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on 9 December. We urge both sides to implement all terms of the agreement and hope this will lead to a lasting peace in Aceh. Separately, we continue to raise the issue of human rights with the Indonesian Government particularly the accountability of security forces for committing human rights abuses.

Iraq

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who made the decision that the United States should be (a) in charge of the translation and distribution of and (b) given permission to edit the Iraqi dossier to the United Nations of its weapons of mass destruction capacity.

Denis MacShane: The President of the UN Security Council decided that the Iraqi Declaration should first be given to members of the Security Council with the expertise to assess the risks of proliferation: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. His decision followed consultations with all other members of the Security Council.
	It is open to these five states to pass on any concerns they have about the risks of proliferation to UNMOVIC and the IAEA. But UNMOVIC and the IAEA alone will judge what material needs to be excised before it distributes the Declaration.
	UNMOVIC will distribute the version of the Declaration that will be given to all members of Security Council. And UNMOVIC, not the United States, is in charge of translation of the Declaration.

Iraq

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries will receive an unedited version of the Iraqi dossier of its weapons of mass destruction.

Denis MacShane: As states with the expertise to assess the risks of proliferation, China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States have received unedited versions of the Iraqi Declaration. UNMOVIC and the IAEA will decide what, if any, parts of the Declaration need to be excised before it distributes the report to all members of the UN Security Council.

Iraq

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the names of the United Kingdom-based and registered companies named as suppliers of equipment to Iraqi military industries, as listed in the Iraqi submission made to the United Nations Security Council on its military programmes; and if he will list the number of companies listed as suppliers to Iraq, broken down by country.

Mike O'Brien: holding answer 16 December 2002
	The task of analysing the Iraqi declaration is continuing. It would be premature to make any substantive comment on its contents at this stage.

Iraq

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason the non-permanent member states on the United Nations Security Council have not been provided with the full text of the Iraqi declaration on its programme of military equipment and infrastructure submitted pursuant to UNSC resolution 1441.

Denis MacShane: The President of the UN Security Council decided that the Iraqi Declaration should first be given to members of the Security Council with the expertise to assess the risks of proliferation: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. His decision followed consultations with all other members of the Security Council.
	UNMOVIC and the IAEA will judge what material needs to be excised before it distributes the declaration to all Security Council members.

Ministerial Engagements

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many engagements were undertaken outside London (a) by him or his predecessor and (b) by Ministers in his Department in January (i) 2000, (ii) 2001 and (iii) 2002.

Jack Straw: holding answer 16 December 2002
	The information is as follows:
	Foreign Secretary
	January 2000 (Robin Cook)
	6 Lisbon
	16 Chevening House, Kent (Dinner)
	18–20 Jordan and Egypt
	24 General Affairs Council, Brussels
	26 International Forum on the Holocaust, Stockholm
	27 Chevening House, Kent (meeting with German Foreign Minister and others)
	28 Burns Supper, Boldon
	January 2001 (Robin Cook)
	11 Brussels and Paris
	22 General Affairs Council, Brussels
	January 2002 (Jack Straw)
	20–23 Paris, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and DRC
	28 General Affairs Council, Brussels
	31 Washington
	Minister for Europe
	January 2000 (Keith Vaz)
	14 British/French Colloque, Hanbury Manor, Herts
	16–17 Rome
	19–20 Athens
	22 Paris 'Your Future of Europe Student Seminar'
	24 General Affairs Council, Brussels
	25 Brussels (NATO)
	January 2001 (Keith Vaz)
	22 General Affairs Council, Brussels
	24 Prague
	January 2002 (Peter Hain)
	8–9 Ljubljana
	28–29 General Affairs Council, Brussels
	Minister of State
	January 2000 (Peter Hain)
	9–14 Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana
	24–25 New York
	28–31 South Africa
	January 2001 (Peter Hain/Brian Wilson)
	1–9 South Africa (Peter Hain)
	January 2002 (Baroness Symons)
	11 South Yorkshire
	14–16 Santa Monica
	Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
	January 2000 (John Battle)
	None
	January 2001 (John Battle)
	18 Athens
	24–30 Mexico
	January 2002 (Ben Bradshaw)
	14–17 Israel and Palestinian Authority
	Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
	January 2000 (Baroness Scotland)
	None
	January 2001 (Baroness Scotland)
	15–16 Bradford
	19 Oxford
	22–31 British Antarctic Territory
	January 2002 (Baroness Amos)
	7–9 Kenya and Tanzania
	28–29 New York
	Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
	(new post created in June 2001)
	January 2002 (Denis MacShane)
	1–6 Switzerland
	25–28 Japan.

Mr. Ian Hook

Crispin Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what discussions he has had with the Israeli authorities concerning the legality of the killing of Mr. Ian Hook; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what steps the Government have taken to establish the circumstances of the killing of Mr. Ian Hook; and if he will make a statement on the results of these inquiries.

Mike O'Brien: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke to the Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Netanyahu, on 22 November 2002. Mr. Netanyahu promised an immediate investigation and gave an undertaking to share the results as soon as he had them. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister raised the matter with the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Sharon, on 29 November 2002. I also raised it with the Israeli Ambassador, Mr. Shtauber, on 4 and 5 December 2002. There has also been frequent contact between our embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli authorities, and our Chargé d'Affaires discussed the IDF inquiry with a senior IDF officer on 3 December 2002, at the IDF's request.
	We have made our concerns clear at the highest levels, and received assurances that the IDF inquiry would be rigorous and comprehensive.
	We are also in touch with the UN about the investigation they are carrying out into Mr. Hook's death.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken by the Government to assist the UN Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of Congo to identify the ultimate owners and beneficiaries of Tremalt Ltd.

Jack Straw: The UN Panel of Expert's mandate expired on 18 October 2002. Discussions are under way at the UN on how to renew its mandate. The UK will maintain a dialogue with the Panel, once its mandate is renewed. We will continue to comment on information the Panel wishes to discuss with the UK, as requested.

Overseas Territories

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under whose direction Governors of overseas territories act on (a) matters devolved to overseas legislation and (b) other matters.

Mike O'Brien: Governors of overseas territories act under the direction of the Foreign Secretary. The extent to which the Foreign Secretary may instruct a Governor as to the exercise of his functions depends on the terms of the Constitution and legislation in force in each territory.

Overseas Territories

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what his policy is on the representation of (a) overseas territories outside Europe and (b) crown dependencies in the European Parliament;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on the distinction between Gibraltar and other overseas territories and the crown dependencies in respect of their European parliamentary representation.

Mike O'Brien: Gibraltar is the only UK overseas territory inside the European Union. Following a 1999 European Court of Human Rights judgment, the UK is required to ensure that Gibraltarians can vote in European Parliament elections. The Government introduced the European Parliament (Representation) Bill in November 2002 in order to provide for Gibraltar's enfranchisement in time for the 2004 European Parliamentary elections.
	The other overseas territories and the crown dependencies are not part of the European Union. They have their own elected governments and no direct representation in the European Parliament. Their constituents are free to raise with UK MEPs any concerns they may have with regard to EU legislation or other EU matters, and their governments are free to raise with HMG any such concerns they may have.

Spending Review

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list for his Department (a) those Comprehensive Spending Review 1998 targets that were outstanding at the time of the statement on the Comprehensive Spending Review 2002, (b) progress on such targets since then and (c) the expected date when targets not yet achieved will be met.

Denis MacShane: Progress against the FCO's targets agreed under the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR98) for the period 1999–2002 was reported in Appendix K of the FCO's 2002 Departmental Report, which was published in June 2002, and is available on the FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk). CSR98 targets were superseded by targets agreed under the 2000 Spending Review (SR2000) for the period 2001–04. SR2000 targets and the new targets agreed under the 2002 Spending Review (SR2002) for the period 2003–06 are also available on the FCO website.

Surface-to-air Missiles

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with allies about dealing with the proliferation of surface-to-air missiles; and what actions he proposes to take.

Mike O'Brien: The states participating in the Wassenaar Arrangement, including the United Kingdom, recognising the special danger posed by such weapons, adopted specific export control guidelines for Man-Portable Air Defence Systems in December 2000.
	All military listed arms exports are strictly licensed under the EU Consolidated Code of Conduct.
	The Government continue to work with other parties to strengthen regulation of the arms trade and stop illegal proliferation, particularly where there is a danger that arms might leak to terrorists.

Syria

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he plans to have with the President of Syria.

Mike O'Brien: We will discuss the full range of bilateral and international issues with President Bashar al-Assad including reform, human rights, Iraq, the Middle East Peace Process and the fight against terrorism.

Syria

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  whether he will discuss support for terrorist organisations with the President of Syria during his forthcoming visit to the UK;
	(2)  if he will make a statement about the reasons for the visit of the President of Syria to the UK;
	(3)  whether he will discuss the fate of Israeli missing servicemen with President Bashar Al-Assad of Syria during his forthcoming visit to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: President Bashar Al-Assad is visiting the United Kingdom, at the invitation of Her Majesty's Government, as a follow-up to the Prime Minister's visit to Syria in October 2001. Discussions during the visit will cover the full range of bilateral and international issues, including reform, human rights, Iraq, the Middle East Peace Process and the fight against terrorism, including terrorist organisations in Syria and the fate of missing Israeli servicemen.

UN Resolutions

Llew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which United Nations (a) Security Council resolutions and (b) General Assembly resolutions the United Kingdom has voted on in the current session; how the United Kingdom voted in each case; what steps his Department takes to maximise media coverage of United Nations resolutions and debates; and if he will make it his policy to make a written statement in the Official Report on the United Kingdom voting record at the United Nations.

Denis MacShane: Voting records of all resolutions of the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly since 1983 can be accessed via the internet at http://unbisnet.un.org.
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the UK Mission to the United Nations in New York and other British embassies and high commissions frequently issue press releases and have information on their websites which publicise UN activities.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Benefit Payments

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what arrangements there will be for pensioners to get documents verified for the purposes of claiming benefits without posting them to regional Pension Service centres.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 12 December 2002
	We expect that the vast majority of pensioners will continue to prefer to deal with The Pension Service by post as they do now. However where a pensioner requires it we expect to be able to verify documents via the local service.

Benefit Payments

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure that women will continue to receive their benefits payment independent of men when the new payment method for benefits is introduced.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 16 December 2002
	The Department for Work and Pensions is providing customers with information (including letters and leaflets) which clearly sets out the account options as part of the move to payment directly into bank accounts. All customers including women will have the option to open an account in their name only if they want independent access to their benefit payments.

Benefit Payments

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent discussions his Department has had with (a) pensioner groups and (b) poverty groups as part of the project to change payment systems from one of benefit books to direct bank account payments.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 16 December 2002
	Special interest groups including those that represent pensioner and poverty groups have been involved throughout the development of the move to direct payment. Regular meetings are held with these groups to discuss progress. The most recent meeting was held on 28 November 2002.

Benefit Payments

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what research the Department has undertaken into the advantages of moving to paying benefits to bank accounts only; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 16 December 2002
	Payment directly into accounts is a safe, convenient, more modern and efficient way to pay benefits and pensions. More people are already choosing to be paid this way. The Department conducted research of benefit recipients who were not already paid this way to provide an overview of their characteristics, experiences and attitudes. Some people indicated that they wanted to be able to continue to access their money from post office branches and also to be able to continue to collect it weekly. Both of these options will be available when this payment method becomes the normal way we pay benefits from April 2003.

Benefit Payments

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) research and (b) risk assessment has been undertaken by the Department on the number of customers who do not have bank accounts in which to receive their benefits; and what contingency plans the Department has for those without bank accounts for the payment of benefits.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 16 December 2002
	Benefit customers are increasingly choosing direct payment as the way they want their benefit or pension paid. Research has shown that around 85 per cent. of benefit customers already have access to bank accounts. The introduction of universal banking services (which consist of two elements: access to a basic bank account and the post office card account) will open up a wider range of banking and financial services. We have always recognised that there will be a small group of people who we cannot pay directly into an account. We will develop an alternate method to pay this group of people.

Benefit Take-up

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if his Department has received the figures from the Office for National Statistics on the take-up of income-related benefits for 2000–01; and when they will be published.

Malcolm Wicks: The National Statistics bulletin Updates, recently pre-announced a release date of March 2003 for the 2000–01 financial year estimates of take-up of income-related benefits. The Office for National Statistics have delivered to the Department research that will be incorporated in the production of these statistics. On evaluation of these research findings a precise date of release will be pre-announced in Updates.

Child Poverty

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the baseline data was on which his Department's target to reduce the number of children in low-income households by at least 25 per cent. by 2004 was based; and what progress has been made.

Malcolm Wicks: holding reply 16 December 2002
	The target to reduce the number of children in low-income households by at least aquarter by 2004–05 is measured by the number of children below 60 per cent. of contemporary median income as reported in Households Below Average Income (HBAI) statistics. Baseline for the target is 1998–99 with 3.1 million children in low-income households before housing costs (BHC) and 4.2 million after housing costs (AHC). HBAI statistics show a fall of around 400,000 children between 1998–99 and 2000–01 (3.1 million to 2.7 million) BHC, and 300,000 (4.2 million to 3.9 million) AHC.
	The Public Service Agreement target technical note, available on the internet, contains full details of how the target will be monitored.

Combined Pension Forecasts

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many combined pension forecasts have been issued in each month since his Department's current forecasting scheme came into operation.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 16 December 2002
	The combined pension forecast service was piloted from October 1999, and is now operational. Throughout the pilots the Department has worked with employers and pension providers to ensure they can issue combined pension forecasts to their employees and pension scheme members. Now the service is operational, we are continuing to recruit employers and pension providers in order to build up the service so that is can be made available to as many people as possible. To date, 348 schemes have expressed an interest in using this voluntary service.
	The complete process from recruitment to the time the employer or pension scheme provider provides combined forecasts, can take around 12 to 18 months, and as the private sector partner issues the statement, precise issue dates are their responsibility.
	The Department has, however, worked in partnership with a number of providers to facilitate the issue of combined pension forecasts on the following dates:
	
		
			 Year 2002 Number of CPF's issued 
		
		
			 April 14,602 
			 May 88 
			 June 467 
			 July 10,049 
			 August — 
			 September 6,380 
			 October 2,600 
			 November — 
			 December 7,500 
			 Total 75,186

EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council

Jimmy Hood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the outcome was of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council held on 3 December; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including their voting record; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: This was a very busy Council with business split over two days. My right hon. Friend attended the Employment and Social Policy part, held on 3 December, accompanied by the Minister for Employment Relations and the Regions, Alan Johnson. The agenda covered a wide range of employment and social policy issues. Council agreed an orientation toward political agreement on a Regulation to replace Regulation 1408/71 which coordinates social security for people moving within the EU. The issues covered at this Council were sickness benefits, benefits for work injury and illness, and death grants. Work will continue on simplification of this regulation under the forthcoming Greek Presidency.
	The Council reached political agreement on a Regulation extending provisions of Regulation 1408/71 to nationals of third countries. This Regulation will be adopted at a future council.
	The Council also agreed to minor revisions to the objectives agreed at Nice in 2000 for the next round of National Action Plans on social inclusion.
	The Council agreed a number of Resolutions: on e-accessibility for disabled people, ahead of the European year for disabled people in 2003; on social inclusion through social dialogue; and on corporate social responsibility.
	This Council also produced Conclusions on gender mainstreaming within the Council and Council Conclusions on a series of indicators concerning violence against women.
	There were three substantive discussions at this Council. Council adopted a joint report with ECOFIN on the streamlining of the annual co-ordination of economic and employment policies after some discussion. The report is in line with the UK's desire to see reform of the employment processes to emphasise outcomes and ensure that all work is geared to achieving the Lisbon objectives.
	There was also an orientation debate on the Commission's proposed Directive on improving working conditions for temporary agency workers. Amongst other issues, the UK continued to argue for a longer derogation than the six weeks proposed in the Commission paper. The Greek Presidency will continue to seek a compromise on this dossier when they take over the Presidency next year.
	The Council agreed a Decision establishing a Tripartite Social Summit after discussion. This will be forwarded as a Report from the ESPHCA to the General Affairs and External Relations Council, and recommends continuing the current informal arrangements.
	The Council adopted joint conclusions with ECOFIN on the structural indicators for the 2003 Synthesis report.
	The Commission presented its draft of the Joint Employment Report at this Council. The draft was remitted to the Employment Committee for consideration.
	The Presidency announced that it would shortly be bringing forward a revised proposal for a Directive protecting workers from the risks of exposure to electromagnetic fields and waves.
	No votes were taken on any of these issues.

Fairground Safety

Candy Atherton: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many fairground rides have been surveyed in each year since 1990; and by how many surveyors.

Nick Brown: holding answer 10 December 2002
	The Health and Safety Executive does not hold this information. The industry, in consultation with the Health and Safety Executive, is however developing a system that will be able to supply this information in the future.
	Guidance produced by the Health and Safety Executive in consultation with the industry XFairgrounds and Amusements Parks, Guidance on Safe Practice", requires that every fairground ride, and any ancillary parts of the ride which may affect the safety of the ride are subject to thorough examination at least annually, or within any shorter period specified by the manufacturer or appointed inspection body.
	Once the inspection body that carried out the examination is satisfied with the safety of the ride, a Declaration of Operational Compliance, (DoC) is issued to the operator to allow him to continue to operate this fairground ride.
	The number of registered inspection bodies (excluding those registered to inspect coin operated children's rides) was 27 as of 4 December 2002. This information is available on the NAFLIC web page http://www.naflic.org.uk/adips-2002.htm. Further details can be obtained from NAFLIC, PO Box 752, Sunderland SR3 1XX. Tel/Fax 0191–5239498.

Fraud

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many telephone calls were made to the National Benefit Fraud Hotline in (a) January, (b) February and (c) March in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001, and (iv) 2002.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 12 December 2002
	The information requested is in the table.
	
		Number of calls to the National Benefit Fraud Hotline
		
			 Year January February March 
		
		
			 1999 13,925 13,798 16,901 
			 2000 14,272 19,285 23,118 
			 2001 17,340 18,191 28,093 
			 2002 18,621 12,809 15,013 
		
	
	Source:
	National Benefit Fraud Hotline

Health and Safety Executive

Andrew Bennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Band 6 administrative staff have resigned from the North West Division office in Manchester since its relocation in January 2001.

Nick Brown: The North West (Manchester) office relocated on 8 January 2001. There have been 17 Band 6 resignations (nine female and eight male) between 8 January 2001 and 30 November 2002.

Health and Safety Executive

Andrew Bennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what expenditure was made in 2001–02 on casual staff supplied by Reed Employment in the North West Division of the Health and Safety Executive.

Nick Brown: Expenditure in 2001–02 on casual staff supplied by Reed Executive plc to NW Division was #56,337.

Health and Safety Executive

Andrew Bennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which division of the HSE is the largest employer of casual staff in the FO Division.

Nick Brown: HSE does not directly employ casual staff. Temporary vacancies in the administrative, typing and mail/messenger disciplines are filled by the use of employment agency staff under an HSE contract with Reed Executive.
	The East and South East division is currently the largest user of this service within the Field Operations Directorate of the HSE.

New Deal

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of the New Deal starts in his Department and its agencies have resulted in sustained, unsubsidised employment; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Brown: holding answer 9 December 2002
	This information is not available for all of the Department and its agencies. However, in the former Employment Service and Jobcentre Plus 1 , up to October 2002, 825 people have been taken on under the New Deal for Young People and New Deal 25 plus. 302 (37 per cent.) of these people have gained permanent employment with Jobcentre Plus and 98 (12 per cent.) have left to take up employment elsewhere. A further 200 (24 per cent.) people are still employed in Jobcentre Plus on the New Deal programme.
	1 Jobcentre Plus was launched in April 2002. The Employment Service and Benefits Agency ceased to exist at the same time.

New Deal

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many persons received new deal photocards between May 1998 and October 2002; how many new deal participants were eligible to receive such cards during this period; what assessment he has made of the reasons for the difference in these figures; and if he will make a statement.

Nick Brown: holding answer 9 December 2002
	On 6 November, 2002 we announced the extension of half price rail fares to up to 125,000 more people on three additional new deal programmes, making it cheaper for them to get to job interviews and cheaper to get to work in the first few months of employment.
	The new deal reduced rail fare scheme has been in existence in England and Wales since May 1998 and, to the end of August 2002 1 , Jobcentre Plus has issued 127,254 photocards. During the period 24 May 1998 to 31 August 2002, a total of 1,038,623 new deal participants were eligible to use the card.
	The reduced rail fare scheme is brought to the attention of all new deal participants at the initial interview with their personal adviser. Where transport is not considered to be a barrier to the client finding work or training, they may not take up the offer. Jobcentre Plus is currently working to further increase awareness of the scheme through targeted publicity, and expect to see a marked increase in take-up as a result.
	1 Latest available figures.

New Deal

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of those leaving the new deal for the long-term unemployed left the new deal for unsubsidised sustained jobs; and how many did not return to claim jobseeker's allowance within (a) 26 weeks and (b) one year.

Nick Brown: holding answer 9 December 2002
	Up to the end of September 2002, 80,640 new deal 25 plus leavers had gained unsubsidised sustained jobs. Of these, 64,780 did not return to claim jobseeker's allowance within 26 weeks, and 57,090 had not re-claimed the benefit within one year after leaving the new deal.
	Source:
	New Deal Evaluation Database

Pensioners

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to increase the take-up rate of means-tested provision for pensioners.

Ian McCartney: We have introduced a range of initiatives designed to encourage pensioners to take up their entitlements. For the minimum income guarantee (MIG) we have undertaken a national advertising campaign, which resulted in almost 140,000 successful claims, with an average gain of #20 per week. We have also reduced the MIG claim form from 40 to 10 pages, introduced a MIG specific leaflet, and we are identifying potential beneficiaries through key events, such as claiming state pension.
	A key priority, for both Government and The Pension Service is the successful take-up of the new pension credit, which will enhance and replace the MIG. It has been specifically designed to be easy for pensioners to claim and to be less intrusive. The weekly means test will be abolished for the over-65s and be replaced by a statement of their circumstances every 5 years. Capital rules will be relaxed and the upper capital limit abolished.
	Our take-up plan for pension credit is extensive and makes use of a range of channels. We will transfer existing MIG recipients to pension credit, ready for payments to be made from October 2003; write to all pensioners not already receiving MIG by June 2004 to alert them to possible pension credit entitlement, supported by a national publicity campaign; work with local partners to help support the communications to pensioners, and tailor marketing and communications activity accordingly.
	The Pension Service pension centres are backed up by local services delivered in partnership with local authorities and voluntary sector organisations provided in locations accessible to pensioners. There will be appointment surgeries and, in time, drop-in surgeries to meet pensioners in places where they visit.
	Outreach activity will be an important part of local service work. Staff will be meeting people in partner and other locations accessible to customers offering general advice and guidance and taking part in benefit take-up initiatives.
	We are planning to introduce a network of Internet access points, telephone points and hard copy information (displaying leaflets, posters, claim forms and other materials) points based in Government and partner locations: and a benefits information service for partners, care workers, volunteers etc. to raise awareness of The Pension Service, pensioner entitlements and how to apply for them.
	We have also set up the Partnerships Against Poverty group, and are undertaking negotiations with partners at a national level to agree the scope for partnership working.
	All of the above demonstrate the importance that my Department attaches to encouraging pensioners to take up their entitlements.

Post Office Card Account

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the number of stages in the process of setting up a Post Office customer card account.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 16 December 2002
	The Department for Work and Pensions will be writing to customers over the next two years when it is their turn to change to Direct Payment into an account. Customers will be provided with information (including letters and leaflets) which clearly sets out the different types of accounts available, so that they can choose the account which best meets their needs and circumstances.
	Customers who wish to open a post office card account will need to contact the Department to discuss their account options with an adviser. They will then be issued with a personal invitation document. This document should then be taken to a post office branch where the customer will be given a post office card account application form to complete.
	Overall the process of applying for a post office card account is straightforward and no more onerous than that of applying for a basic (or other) bank account.

SERPS

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his answer of 21 November, to the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb), Official Report, column 282W, on SERPS, if he will place examples of (a) the original letter, (b) the follow-up estimate letter and (c) the most recent letter in the Library.

Ian McCartney: The original letter and the follow up estimate were placed in the Library on 11 March 2002. The most recent letter will be placed in the Library after it has been approved by the Secretary of State.

Social Security Fraud Act

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have had their benefit reduced because they have been convicted of benefit fraud for a second time under the terms of the Social Security Fraud Act 2001.

Malcolm Wicks: The 'two-strikes' provision of the Social Security Fraud Act 2001 came into force from 1 April 2002. The provision applies to people who are convicted of benefit fraud on two separate occasions after 1 April 2002; it cannot be applied retrospectively. No individuals so far have had their benefit reduced under this provision.

Stakeholder Pensions

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his oral statement of 25 November, Official Report, column 12, on stakeholder pensions, if he will set out the basis for his estimate that more than one million people who did not have a pension 18 months ago have one now.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 2 December 2002
	There has been an increase in the number of people who save for their retirement through private pensions since the introduction of stakeholder pensions. Although not all stakeholder pension sales will be to new pension savers, it is widely acknowledged that stakeholder pensions have had a beneficial effect on the provision of pensions more generally. For example, as an alternative to designating a stakeholder pension scheme employers have broadened access to their occupational pension schemes to the whole of the workforce, or have opened group personal pension schemes to which they contribute. What is clear is that for a very large number of people stakeholder pensions have provided a route into pension provision that they had never had before.

Winter Fuel Payments

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate how many eligible people have not received backdated winter fuel payments for the first three years of the scheme, and what the value was of such payments.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 16 December 2002
	According to our estimate around 1.9 million people could have been eligible for backdated payments for the first three years of the scheme and about 1.2 million people have now been paid. There is no cut off dates for these retrospective payments.
	It is not possible to provide a reliable estimate of the numbers who have not claimed because the estimate of those newly eligible was based on sample data. It is up to the individual, where a claim is necessary, to decide whether or not to make that claim.

Winter Fuel Payments

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total cost of the winter fuel payments has been in each year since they were established, including (a) payments made on time, (b) backdated payments and (c) administration costs; and what the full value is of potential future payments to eligible recipients who have not yet applied for the benefit, but who are still free to do so.

Ian McCartney: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is given in the table.
	The Department now accounts for its administration and benefit expenditure by Strategic Objective, as set out in its Public Service Agreements (PSA), and by individual Requests for Resources (RfRs) as set out in the Departmental Estimates and Accounts.
	It is not possible to provide a reliable estimate of the value of unclaimed Winter Fuel Payments. It is up to an individual, where a claim is necessary, to decide whether or not to make that claim.
	
		Caseload and expenditure on winter fuel payments
		
			  1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 
		
		
			 Expenditure on WFPs (# million) 191 194 759 (20)1,749 1,692 1,710 
			 Number of WFP recipients 9,759,000 9,953,000 10,084,000 11,123,000 11,202,000 11,322,000 
		
	
	(20) Includes #94 million retrospective payments
	Notes:
	All figures are for Great Britain.
	Costs are in cash terms.
	Expenditure figures prior to 2001–02 are from the published Social Fund Account and from 2001–02 are DWP's latest published forecast.
	Caseload figures prior to 2001–02 are based on estimates from administrative data and from 2001–02 are DWP's latest published forecast.

Winter Fuel Payments

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate how many people became newly entitled for the (a) 2000–01 and (b) 2001–02 winter fuel payment; who needed to make a claim, but failed to do so before the cut-off dates; and what the value was of such payments.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 16 December 2002
	We estimate that around 1.5 million people became entitled to winter fuel payments in 2000–01 for the first time, as a result of a change in the rules in 2000. So far, about one million have been paid. Additionally, for the winter of 2000–01, we estimated that a further 500,000 people could have been newly entitled as a result attaining age 60 and satisfying the other entitlement conditions.
	Similarly for the winter of 2001–02, we estimated that some 500,000 people could have been newly entitled as a result of attaining age 60 and satisfying the other entitlement conditions. Around half of these were paid automatically. Some 245,000 claim forms were received by end of March 2002, although some of these would have been from people entitled to automatic payments. It is up to the individual to decide whether or not to claim.
	In 2000–01, expenditure on winter fuel payments was #1,749 million and in 2001–02, it was #1,692 million.

Work-related Ill Health

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with other Ministers to develop a rehabilitation strategy to tackle work-related ill health in order to reduce the number on invalidity benefit.

Nick Brown: Improved vocational rehabilitation services are a key element of our strategy for enabling people with health problems and disabilities to move into employment, and so become and remain independent.
	Ministers and officials from this Department, the Department of Health, the Department for Education and Skills, the Scotland Office and the Wales Office have held discussions concerning the impact of ill health and disability on both individuals and employers, and specifically the role of vocational rehabilitation.
	Our Green Paper XPathways to Work—Helping people into employment", published on 18 November, proposes more intensive support for people who move onto incapacity benefits. One element of this involves the establishment by Jobcentre Plus in conjunction with the NHS of new rehabilitation programmes, combining support to find work with management of an individual's health condition. These will be piloted in six areas across the country starting from late 2003.
	In addition, the Job Retention and Rehabilitation Pilot, a joint initiative with the Department of Health which also starts next year, will explore ways in which we can support people faced with losing their employment through prolonged sickness or disability.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Housing

Edward Davey: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the number of new employees needed in the housing sector over the next five years to meet Government targets on new house building in London and the South East; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The Government has made no specific assessment for new house building in London and the South East. However, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has estimated that 76,000 new employees will be required each year in the construction industry between 2002 and 2006 and the Strategic Forum for Construction estimates that 300,000 qualified staff will need to be recruited to the construction industry by the end of 2006. CITB predicts that over 40,000 new recruits will be needed between now and 2006 in the Greater London area and that over 77,000 will be required in the South East.
	However, these figures are based on moderate growth levels in the construction industry. They do not take into account the step change in housing and regeneration activity that the Deputy Prime Minister will outline early in the New Year. In 2003 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister aims to produce an analysis of the impact on the industry of the level of construction work generated by the planned step change in housing investment.
	We will continue to work with the Department of Trade and Industry and Department for Education and Skills to ensure that there is sufficient capacity and the right skills in the construction industry to meet the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's ambitious targets.

Local Government Finance Consultation

Andrew Turner: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which local authorities he met, and on what dates, in connection with the local authority grant formula consultations.

Christopher Leslie: Tabled below are the meetings that the Ministers of Office of the Deputy Prime Minister had with local authorities or local authority representative groups, which were requested within the time scale of the Consultation on the Local Government Finance Formula Grant Distribution.
	
		
			 Local Authority / Representative Group Date 
		
		
			 York City Council 29/07/02 
			 Worcestershire County Council 10/09/02 
			 F40 17/09/02 
			 County Councils Network 24/09/02 
			 Association of North East Councils 24/09/02 
			 Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities 26/09/02 
			 AC A Cliff Edge Group 26/09/02 
			 Northern Alliance Group of County Councils 26/09/02 
			 London Borough of Sutton 26/09/02 
			 Town and Country Finance Issues Group 09/10/02 
			 Shire Districts Liaison Group 09/10/02 
			 Local Government Association 09/10/02

Mobile Phones

Simon Hughes: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what reports he has received on the compliance of (a) mobile phone companies in general and (b) T-mobile in particular with 'The Code of Best Practice in Mobile Phone Development' (i) in the London Borough of Southwark and (ii) across London; if he will call for up-to-date reports on the issue; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Winchester (Mr. Oaten) on 10 December 2002, Official Report, column 269W.

Section 28

Evan Harris: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 20 November 2002, Official Report, column 627, in what way he proposes to take forward the statement in the Labour Manifesto in connection with the repeal of Section 28.

Nick Raynsford: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is still considering how best to do so.

Spending Review

Frank Field: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list for his Department (a) those comprehensive spending review 1998 targets that were outstanding at the time of the statement on the comprehensive spending review 2002, (b) progress on such targets since then and (c) the expected date when targets not yet achieved will be met.

Christopher Leslie: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister publishes progress against all its outstanding PSA targets in its annual report and autumn performance report.
	Progress against comprehensive spending review 1998 targets that apply to theOffice of the Deputy Prime Minister and that were outstanding at the time of the statement on the Spending Review 2002 was last reported in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Autumn Performance Report 2002, published on 29 November.
	The Report is available from the House Library, or can be accessed on the Office's website at the following address: http://www.odpm.gov.uk/about/aims/pdf/autjperf.pdf

HEALTH

GM Food

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations have been received since 1999 asking for full (a) traceability and (b) labelling of GM food.

Hazel Blears: The Food Standards Agency conducted a written consultation on the European Commission's two proposals for new genetic modification legislation, issued in July 2001. 128 representations were received. 17 called for the labelling of all foods produced with, or made from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 14 supported the concept of full labelling, but recognised the practical difficulties this presented. 22 responses supported the general concept of traceability. A further 16 supported full traceability, but expressed concerns over its implementation in practice. 19 representations expressed significant concerns over the reliability of traceability for foods and feeds derived from GMOs.

Anaemia

Dai Havard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the basis is of his policy not to treat cancer patients with anaemia-related fatigue until their haemoglobin drops to 7 g/dl equates.

Hazel Blears: The Department does not operate the policy referred to. It is for individual clinicians to decide, in consultation with their patients, the most suitable treatment for their condition or for any side effects, such as anaemia-related fatigue, resulting from treatment.

Anaemia

Dai Havard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to ensure that patients with chronic anaemia should not be treated with red cell transfusions where effective alternatives exist.

Hazel Blears: The publication of guidelines from the British Committee for Standards in Haematology in 2001 provides specific advice to clinicians. The type of treatment offered to chronic anaemia patients is a matter of individual clinical judgment and discussion with the patient concerned. The Department encourages the production of local protocols, which use existing guidance produced from a sound evidence base and clinical consensus.

Blood Transfusion

Dai Havard: To ask the Secretary of State for Health who is producing the information on blood transfusion and its alternatives, which after April 2003 NHS trusts will be required to make available to patients; and whether this information will provide specific guidance for cancer patients.

Hazel Blears: The National Blood Service is producing an information leaflet which is intended to be of use and interest to all patients who may need a blood transfusion. It will not provide specific guidance for cancer patients. The leaflet will be issued to all national health service hospitals early in 2003.

Breast Cancer

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people died of breast cancer in 2001; and what percentage of the cancer research budget is spent on breast cancer research.

Hazel Blears: There were 10,924 deaths from breast cancer in England in 2001. The recent National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) report, Strategic Analysis 2002, analysed most of the directly-funded cancer research of Government and charity funders. The analysis revealed that 60 per cent. of research spend was relevant to all tumour sites. The other 40 per cent. was relevant to specific tumour sites. Approximately 18 per cent. of the site-specific research was on breast cancer.

Emergency Hospital Readmissions

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the maximum number of days is between discharge and emergency readmission for a patient to be considered to be in the same episode of care.

John Hutton: A decision has not yet been taken on the cut-off point for the maximum length of a discharge from hospital and subsequent readmission.

Emergency Hospital Readmissions

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the basis is of his calculation of the baseline figure for 2001–02 and 2002–03 emergency readmissions.

John Hutton: holding answer 25 November 2002
	The baseline rate for both years was calculated as the number of patients readmitted to hospital within 28 days of discharge, divided by the number discharged from hospital. The baseline is derived from the outturn figures for the previous year.
	The baseline for 2001–02 was a rate of 7.3 per cent., and related to over 75s only. The 2002–03 target is for all ages, with a baseline rate of 5.4 per cent.

Drug Misuse

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what responses to the Audit Commission report, 'Changing Habits', have been received from (a) the National Treatment Agency, (b) individual drug action teams and (c) individual drug reference groups.

Hazel Blears: This Department has received no responses. The Audit Commission is an independent body and responses on its reports will normally be sent to the Commission itself.

Chiropody

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many chiropodists were working in the NHS in each year from 1997 to 2001; and how many were working in the NHS on the most recent date for which figures are available.

John Hutton: The information requested is shown in the table.
	Between 1997 and 2001, the number of chiropodists employed in the national health service increased by 270, or eight per cent.
	
		Staff employed in chiropody/podiatry in England as at 30 September each year
		
			  Qualified chiropody/podiatry staff 
		
		
			 1997 3,290 
			 1998 3,320 
			 1999 3,370 
			 2000 3,470 
			 2001 3,560 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	2. Due to rounding, totals may not equal the sum of component parts.
	Source:
	Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census.

Chiropody

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many chiropodists completed training in 2001; and what proportion of these have commenced employment within the NHS as chiropodists.

John Hutton: Information on chiropodists completing training and what proportion joined the national health service is not collected centrally. Information on the number of chiropodists employed in the NHS and chiropodists entering training is given below.
	The number of chiropodists entering training in 1998–99, who would normally have completed training in 2001–02, was 409.
	Between September 2000 and 2001, the number of chiropodists employed in the NHS increased by 90, or 2.6 per cent., from 3,470 to 3,560.

CJD (Lamb)

Patsy Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he gives to the public on (a) eating lamb and (b) the possible link between scrapie and CJD.

Hazel Blears: The Food Standards Agency is responsible for giving advice on food issues. The agency informs me that it is continuing not to advise consumers against eating sheep meat or sheep meat products. Earlier this year, consumers were advised that, if BSE were present in sheep, their risk would be significantly reduced by avoiding sausages made with sheep intestine.
	Epidemiological evidence does not suggest a link between scrapie and CJD.

Acute Hospitals (Computer Viruses)

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many incidents of damage to computer systems in acute hospitals resulting from computer viruses there have been in each of the past five years.

Hazel Blears: Figures for computer virus incidents throughout the national health service are not currently available.

Correspondence

Angela Browning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter of the hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton of 21 June 2002, in respect of Dr. Roger Stephenson, acknowledged by the Department on 1 July 2002 under reference PO 1011562.

Hazel Blears: A reply was sent on 10 December 2002.

Correspondence

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many letters to him from (a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) over six months, and (ii) over one year.

David Lammy: holding answer 25 November 2002
	At 11 December 2002, there were eight letters from hon. Members dated before 10 June 2002, which had not received a reply, and none over a year. Accurate information is not currently available for letters from members of the public, but this should be available in the new year.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 7 November 2002, from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mrs. Mary Allcock.

Alan Milburn: A reply was sent to the right hon. Member on 16 December 2002.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 29 October from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Miss J Robson.

Alan Milburn: A reply was sent to the right hon. Member on 16 December 2002.

Diabetes

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish the full National Service Framework for diabetes.

David Lammy: We shall be publishing the delivery strategy for the diabetes national service framework in the next few weeks.

Diagnostic Services

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS acute hospitals offer round-the-clock diagnosis and test results.

John Hutton: This information is not collected centrally. However, acute hospitals will provide 24-hour diagnostic services for emergency cases.

Drug Treatment

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients are in residential rehabilitation in their own drug action team area.

Hazel Blears: Information is not available in the form requested.
	Information on whether individuals live within the health authority delivering treatment, for drug users presenting to residential rehabilitation, in the six month period ending 31 March 2001, is given in the table. Whether health authority (HA) of treatment and health authority and/or NHS Regional office (RO) of residence were the same for drug users presenting to residential rehabilitation during the period 1 October 2000 to 31 March 2001.
	
		Health authority of residence—data for England
		
			  Numbers Percentages 
		
		
			 Number of users 810 100 
			 Same HA of treatment 256 32 
			 Different HA of treatment but same RO 339 42 
			 Resident outside RO of treatment 105 13 
			 Not known 110 14 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. The data are from the Department of Health Regional Drug Misuse Databases
	2. Percentages do not sum to 100 due to rounding.

Foundation Hospitals

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if hospital trusts with deficits will be entitled to (a) apply for foundation status and (b) obtain foundation status.

John Hutton: holding answer 12 December 2002
	National health service foundation trust status will only be made available to high performing three-star acute and specialist NHS trusts. The application process will entail an independent financial review in which applicants will need to clearly demonstrate a track record of good financial management and be financially viable.

Genetic Testing

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what representations have been received from consumers and patient organisations as part of the HGC consultation on regulation of genetic testing services supplied direct to the public; and whether these organisations favoured (a) statutory regulation and (b) a voluntary industry code;
	(2)  how many responses the HGC received during their consultation on the regulation of genetic testing services supplied direct to the public; and how many were in favour of (a) no action being taken, (b) a voluntary code being established, (c) a code plus statutory restrictions and (d) statutory restrictions;
	(3)  when the HGC will be making recommendations to Government as a result of the consultation on regulation of genetic testing services supplied direct to the public;
	(4)  if he will place in the Library the responses of the (a) Advertising Standards Agency, (b) British Embassies from Canada, Holland, Japan and the US, (c) DTI Policy Advisor on Internet Regulation, (d) Information Commissioner, (e) Medical Devices Agency, (f) Medical Research Council and (g) Occupational Health Advisory Committee to the HGC consultation on genetic testing.

Hazel Blears: The Human Genetics Commission (HGC) consultation on genetic testing services supplied direct to the public closed in October 2002. HGC is analysing the responses and is conducting additional public surveys. HGC plans to publish its report and recommendations to Ministers early in 2003. It will also publish all of the non-confidential responses received during consultation and copies will be placed in the Library.
	HGC has now received written responses from 42 organisations and 22 individuals. Approximately 14 written responses and four oral evidence sessions were from consumer and patient groups. Of these, six favoured statutory regulation for at least some tests and three favoured voluntary codes. Of the written responses from all sources that expressed a view, none favoured no action, 11 favoured voluntary codes for some types of tests, 24 favoured a mixture of voluntary codes and statutory restrictions and 13 favoured statutory restrictions for some types of test.

Genito-Urinary Clinics

Patsy Calton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what percentage of genito-urinary medicine clinics are able to see urgent cases within 24 hours;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on access to genito-urinary open access clinics and waiting time for genito-urinary clinics.

Hazel Blears: Central data on genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic waiting times are available only for patients referred by general practitioners. GUM is an open access service and the vast majority of patients self-refer and therefore these data do not provide an accurate picture of waiting times for these services. One of the action points in the sexual health and HIV strategy implementation action plan is to develop a waiting times indicator for GUM and work on this is already under way. However, we are aware that there are pressures on GUM clinics which have led to long waiting times for some services. We have therefore invested over #5 million this year to improve capacity and reduce waiting times.

Health Authority Chief Executives

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many chief executives of former health authorities have taken (a) redundancy and (b) early retirement since April.

John Hutton: holding answer 2 December 2002
	Over 20,000 national health service staff were involved in the 'Shifting the Balance of Power' (StBOP) reorganisation. 95 health authorities were replaced by 28 strategic health authorities, and in order to keep valuable skills and experience in the NHS, all staff involved in the reorganisation were given a 12-month guarantee of employment up to 31 March 2003.
	However, due to a variety of factors, it was recognised that some staff might not be able to gain suitable alternative employment in the NHS. These staff have been allowed to take early retirement or redundancy prior to 31 March 2003. Since April 2002, there has been one redundancy and 20 early retirements that have taken place among the former health authority chief executives.

Health Services (East Kent)

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to make a decision about the reconfiguration of health services in East Kent.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 16 December 2002
	A decision on the reconfiguration of acute services in East Kent could not be made while the Judicial Review of the process was under consideration. Now the judgment has been made Ministers are in a position to consider Kent and Medway Strategic Health Authority's recommendation. I cannot, at this time, give the hon. Member an indication of when that decision will be made.

Herbal Remedies

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on amendments 9 and 11 to the Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive.

Hazel Blears: Amendments 9 and 11 proposed by the European Parliament in relation to the draft Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products would have the effect of allowing applications for traditional use registrations where individual active herbal ingredients had had traditional use but there was not evidence of traditional use of that particular combination. Elsewhere, within the proposed Directive, applicants are required to supply evidence of the traditional use of the specific combination and member states may refuse applications if the data on traditional use is insufficient. The amendments would therefore probably have limited effect.
	Our overall view on this issue is that active medicinal ingredients, herbal or otherwise, can interact causing adverse reactions and we would have concerns on public health grounds about combinations where safety was supported neither by tests and trials (as would apply in the case of a marketing authorisation) nor by evidence of long usage. In some cases one or more herbal ingredient in a combination could reasonably be regarded as non active, for example where included for taste or colour, and in that situation non active ingredients need not have been used as part of the traditional combination.
	It is likely to be possible to demonstrate traditional use of a great many herbal combinations. During continuing negotiations, and subsequent implementation if the Directive is agreed, we will look for ways to ensure that the regulatory impact of demonstrating traditional use of combinations is contained to the necessary minimum.
	Amendments 9 and 11 also follow through a concept introduced in Amendment 6 which has the effect that classification of a product as a herbal medicinal product would depend on the active ingredients being present at a pharmacologically active level.
	We have some concerns about the proposal as drafted. There is an existing definition of a medicinal product in Directive 2001/83/EC. We would not wish to change that definition in relation to one category of medicinal product only (herbal medicines), in relation to an issue, (levels of pharmacological activity) that is a generic one, relevant to all medicines. Second, the amendment does not address the regulatory position of products which, under the existing definition, are classified as medicinal products by virtue of their presentation. Third, the dividing line between pharmacologically active and non pharmacologically active levels may be difficult to determine for many herbal substances.
	Our top priority in relation to the definition of a medicinal product in the ongoing negotiations on the review of Directive 2001/83/EC is to resist the provision, originally proposed by the European Commission, that would give precedence to medicines legislation for any product which fell within the definition of a medicinal product, even if that product was already regulated under other sectoral legislation. This proposal could have lead to many more products being classified as medicines. From the outset of negotiations we have argued vigorously against this proposal, seeking to enlist the support of other member states and Members of the European Parliament. We are therefore pleased that the European Parliament has not supported the Commission's original proposal and we will continue to argue for its deletion from the proposals.
	We also recognise that there are differences in member states' interpretation of the current definition of a medicinal product in relation to products close to the borderline of medicines and other regulatory regimes. We are therefore open to constructive dialogue, whether domestically or in a European forum, on this issue. We intend to discuss further the implications of these proposed amendments with the United Kingdom herbal sector in order to inform our negotiating position.

Herbal Remedies

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the supply of unregulated herbal medicinal products via the internet.

Hazel Blears: Any website reported to the Medicines Control Agency, which appears to be in breach of regulations regarding advertising, sale and supply of medicines is investigated. The agency works closely with other Government Departments and law enforcement authorities, both in the United Kingdom and abroad, in an effort to identify and take action where appropriate.
	There is evidence that some unlicensed herbal medicinal products, whether sold via the internet or in other ways, may be of poor quality and in some cases may pose a threat to public health. Subject to the successful conclusion of negotiations, the proposed directive on traditional herbal medicinal products would provide a regulatory regime which should allow the public to choose from a wide range of herbal remedies made to assured standards of safety, quality and information. In turn this would make it possible for the public to be given much clearer advice than is currently possible about how to avoid unregulated herbal medicines which may pose a risk to health.

Hospital Meals

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost per hospital meal was (a) before and (b) after implementation of the Government's Better Hospital Food programme; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: holding answer 12 December 2002
	The better hospital food programme is designed to improve the quality, availability and access to food in hospitals and is a long-term programme. An additional #38.5 million has been made available to support this programme.
	The costs of providing meals varies, depending both on the particular dish involved and the method of production. Typically, a traditional system produces meals more cheaply, while a delivered meals service is more expensive. A report by the Audit Commission in September 2001 found average spending on food and beverages was #2.20 for a cook-serve system, #2.40 for a national health service operated cook-chill/freeze service, and #3.70 for a delivered meals service. However, there are a number of other issues such as overheads and capital replacement charges, which also vary according to the production system in use and which affect overall costs. There is therefore no average per meal cost.
	As part of the better hospital food programme, acute hospitals have been asked to include in their menus each day three of the dishes designed for the NHS by the 'leading chef' team. These dishes encompass main meals, desserts, salads and sandwiches. There are now 200 'leading chef' dishes included in the NHS dish selector and average costs for these dishes is no greater than those for other dishes currently in use in NHS hospitals.

Hospital Trusts (Performance Ratings)

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the hospital trusts which have had their star rating increased following the publication of the national tables in July.

David Lammy: holding answer 12 December 2002
	One trust, The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, NHS trust, Bath, has had its performance rating reassessed since the publication of the national tables in July resulting in three stars being awarded.

Hospital Trusts (Performance Ratings)

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospital trusts which previously had a three star rating lost one or more stars in the tables published in July.

David Lammy: holding answer 12 December 2002
	16 of the acute trusts awarded three stars in the 2000–01 performance ratings lost one or more stars in the 2001–02 performance ratings, published in July 2002.

Stem Cell Research

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is necessary to obtain a licence from the HFEA before conducting research into stem cell lines from human embryos, with particular reference to derivation and characterisation of such stem cells.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 9 December 2002
	A licence from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority is required to bring about the creation of embryos in vitro and to keep or use embryos for the purposes of a project of research. All applications for a licence to use embryos to source embryonic stem cell lines will be required to justify why embryonic stem cells are to be used and will be required to provide detailed information on the fate of the stem cells throughout the process.
	Furthermore, it will be a condition of all these licences that a sample of all cell lines is placed in the Medical Research Council's (MRC) national stem cell bank. The subsequent use of any stem cell lines derived from embryos will be subject to a code of practice to be produced by the MRC stem cell bank steering committee.

Stem Cell Research

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the HFEA was given authority to issue research licences to conduct research involving stem cell lines from human embryos.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 9 December 2002
	Any research project involving the creation, keeping or using of human embryos outside the body must be licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). To grant a research licence, the HFEA must be satisfied that the research is Xnecessary or desirable" and that the use of human embryos is essential. Before 2001, the HFEA could grant licences for research projects only for the following specified purposes (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 Schedule 2, para.3(2):
	a) promoting advances in the treatment of infertility;
	b) increasing knowledge about the causes of congenital disease;
	c) increasing knowledge about the causes of miscarriages;
	d) developing more effective techniques of contraception; or
	e) developing methods for detecting the presence of gene or chromosome abnormalities in embryos before implantation.
	In January 2001, Parliament passed regulations extending the purposes for which research licenses may be authorised to include:
	f) increasing knowledge about the development of embryos;
	g) increasing knowledge about serious disease;
	h) enabling any such knowledge to be applied in developing treatments for serious disease.
	Before 2001, the HFEA could, therefore, grant a licence for research projects involving the use of embryos to create stem cell lines if the research was for one of the purposes listed in (a) to (e) above.

Stem Cell Research

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health under what authority the HFEA gave a research licence to Professor Austin Smith at the Centre for Genome Research in Edinburgh to derive and characterise stem cell lines from human embryos in 1997.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 9 December 2002
	The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority issued a licence to the assisted conception unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, later varied to the Centre for Genome Research, in 1996 for the purposes specified in paragraph 3(2)(a), (b) and (e) of Schedule 2 to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990.

Learning Disability Services

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the net health and social services expenditure on learning disability services over the past five years on a constant value basis; and what it will be in the next three years, adjusted for inflation at current values.

Jacqui Smith: Local authorities deliver services for people with learning disabilities within the framework of the White Paper XValuing People: A New Strategy for Learning Disability for the 21st Century" (Cm 5086), published in March 2001, and its associated advice and guidance. Within that framework it is for councils to decide on the level of current and future expenditure.
	The overall level of funding for social services, including that for learning disability, will increase by, on average, 6 per cent. per annum in real terms over the next three years.
	Information on net expenditure is not available in the form requested. Details of gross expenditure are in the table.
	
		Table 10.2 Gross expenditure on services for people with learning disabilities -- # million
		
			  1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000(25) 2000–01 
		
		
			  HCHS expenditure 
			 Total expenditure, 2000–01 prices(21),(22) 28,172 26,387 26,975 27,760 28,793 30,099 
			 Expenditure on people with learning disabilities 1,370 1,460 1,499 1,486 1,481 1,486 
			 Percentage of total expenditure 4.9% 5.5% 5.6% 5.4% 5.1% 4.9% 
			 In-patient 954 966 943 898 890 889 
			 Out-patient 12 24 25 23 22 20 
			 Day patients 49 64 63 67 65 62 
			 Community 355 406 468 498 504 514 
			  
			 PSS expenditures   
			 Total expenditure, 2000–01 prices(21) 9,602 10,271 10,739 11,356 12,315 12,848 
			 Expenditure on people with learning disabilities 1,235 1,340 1,424 1,565 1,669 1,752 
			 Percentage of total expenditure 12.9% 13.0% 13.3% 13.8% 13.6% 13.6% 
			 Adults(24) 1,130 1,236 1,316 1,459 1,561 1,647 
			 Assessment and care management(24) 105 103 108 107 108 105 
		
	
	(21) Adjusted to 1999–2000 prices using HCHS deflator for NHS expenditure and 2000–01 prices using GDP deflator for PSS expenditure. Figures shown for 1999–2000 are not directly comparable with previous years due to estimations used and changes to the calculation methods.
	(22) The HCHS expenditure information is based on profiles of expenditure provided by trusts but scaled to match health authorities' total expenditure. Thus, there is a possibility that the figures under estimate the expenditure on services purchased by health authorities from the private and voluntary sectors. It may be the case that hospital expenditure is over estimated and community expenditure is under estimated. These figures exclude health authority overheads.
	(23) Includes administrative and clerical overheads.
	(24) Adults aged 16–64. Excludes expenditure on mental health provision for children which cannot be separately identified.
	(25) Figures shown for 1999–2000 are not directly comparable with previous years due to estimations used and changes to the calculation methods.
	Source:
	Health Select Committee (FPA-PES) and RO3 return (PSS EX1 from 2000–01)

Lung Cancer

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people died of lung cancer in 2001; and what percentage of the cancer research budget is spent on lung cancer research.

Hazel Blears: There were 26,922 deaths from lung cancer in England in 2001. The recent National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) report, XStrategic Analysis 2002", analysed most of the directly-funded cancer research of government and charity funders. The analysis revealed that 60 per cent. of research spend was relevant to all tumour sites. The other 40 per cent. was relevant to specific tumour sites. Approximately 3 per cent. of the site-specific research was on lung cancer.
	The NCRI has identified lung cancer as an area that might need more attention. We will be working with our research funding partners through the NCRI to fully understand the reasons for this and consider any actions that might be required.

Maidstone Hospital

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to her answer of 9 December 2002, Official Report, column 157W, regarding Duplex Scans at Maidstone hospital, who Kent and Medway SHA consults on whether a scan is clinically necessary, in cases where patients are referred by a general practitioner.

Hazel Blears: holding answer 16 December 2002
	Decisions on the clinical necessity for duplex scans are made by clinicians at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust, not Kent and Medway Strategic Health Authority. The strategic health authority, as part of its management function, advised me on the practice at the trust in respect of duplex scans.

Psychiatry

Paul Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many doctors per 100,000 people were in training in each year since 1997 for (a) child and adolescent psychiatry, (b) forensic psychiatry, (c) general psychiatry, (d) old age psychiatry, (e) psychotherapy and (f) psychiatry of learning disability.

John Hutton: The table shows the number of doctors in training within the psychiatry specialties from 1997 to 2001 and a per population figure for 2001 only. Population figures are due to be updated shortly following publication of results from the 2001 population census. This will include a revised set of estimates for the years 1997 to 2000, but these figures are not yet available.
	
		Hospital medical doctors in training(26) within the psychiatry specialties—England, 30 September
		
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Number per 100,000 population 
		
		
			 Child and adolescent psychiatry 240 230 230 270 250 0.5 
			 Forensic psychiatry 110 140 120 140 140 0.3 
			 General psychiatry 1960 1990 2030 2040 2010 4.1 
			 Old age psychiatry 220 230 240 240 260 0.5 
			 Psychiatry of learning disability 80 90 100 100 100 0.2 
			 Psychotherapy 50 40 40 40 40 0.1 
		
	
	(26) Doctors in training includes the Registrar Group, Senior House Officers and House Officers
	Source:
	Department of Health medical and dental workforce census
	Office of National Statistics, 29 April 2001 population census

MRSA

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many MRSA patients were recorded in NHS hospitals in each of the last eight years; how many and what proportion of NHS hospitals recorded MRSA outbreaks; and how many and what proportion of NHS hospitals have full-time staff dedicated to the prevention and control of MRSA and related infections.

David Lammy: holding answer 12 December 2002
	These data are not collected centrally and I refer the hon. Member to the reply he received on 14 October 2002, Official Report column 521W. This provides the available data on methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) blood stream infections until April 2001 when mandatory MRSA bacteraemia surveillance was introduced. Data from the new surveillance system are available for every acute national health service hospital trust and the first year's results were published in the Communicable Disease Report Weekly on 20 June 2002 and are on the Public Health Laboratory Service website at www.phls.co.uk/publications/ cdr/PDFfiles/2002/cdr2502.pdf. Information on the composition of infection control teams is not collected routinely.

NHS Administrative Staff

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the ratio of administrative staff to total number of beds operating in the national health service was in each of the last 10 years.

John Hutton: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Ratio of senior managers and managers in Administration and Estates to the daily average number of NHS beds in England, 1991 to 2001
		
			  Senior managers and managers in Administration and Estates (headcount) Total daily average number of beds Ratio 
		
		
			 1991 13,500 258,550 0.05 
			 1992 16,860 246,080 0.07 
			 1993 20,320 236,170 0.09 
			 1994 23,350 224,380 0.10 
			 1995 20,840 217,510 0.10 
			 1996 21,260 212,680 0.10 
			 1997 22,170 210,520 0.11 
			 1998 22,690 206,410 0.11 
			 1999 24,290 203,340 0.12 
			 2000 25,260 199,730 0.13 
			 2001 27,420 199,670 0.14 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures referred to are the overnight beds i.e. beds in wards open overnight.
	2. Beds data are collected on a financial basis each year.
	3. Senior managers and managers figures were collected on 30 September each year.
	4. A new classification of the non-medical work force was introduced in 1995.
	5. Information based on this classification is not directly comparable with earlier years.
	6. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
	7. Ratios are rounded to two decimal places.
	Sources:
	1. Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census.
	2. Bed figures are taken from the annual Korner return KH03 'bed availability and occupancy'.

Orthopaedic Treatment

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the longest current NHS waiting time is for orthopaedic treatment.

John Hutton: Data on waiting times is collected by specialty. The relevant specialty is trauma and orthopaedic.
	The latest published commissioner data for England in September 2002 show there were 11 patients waiting between 15 and 17 months for inpatient admission in the trauma and orthopaedic specialty.

Overseas Nurse Advice Line

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 4 December 2002, Official Report, column 909, on the overseas nurse advice line, how many whole-time equivalent staff are employed by the advice line; and what the budget for the advice line is for each of the next three years.

John Hutton: The national health service overseas nurses advice line is operated in conjunction with NHS careers. There is a pool of NHS careers staff employed as call operators, who handle calls in addition to a team with health careers expertise advising on supervised practice and NHS careers.
	Decisions on the future financing of the advice line have not yet been made.

Overseas Nurse Advice Line

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 4 December 2002, Official Report, column 909W, on the Overseas Nurse Advice Line, how many calls were received on 08458 50588 in each month since the line was set up.

John Hutton: Over the three months that the national health service Overseas Nurses Advice Line has been operating it has received a total of 63 calls.

Overseas Nurse Advice Line

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 4 December, Official Report, column 909W, on the Overseas Nurse Advice Line, how he plans to inform (a) NHS organisations, (b) overseas governments, (c) overseas nurses and (d) other interested parties, of the Overseas Nurse Advice Line.

John Hutton: National health service organisations, overseas governments and overseas nurses have been informed of the NHS Overseas Nurses Advice Line through various means.
	Quarterly briefing meetings held by the chief nursing officer for the strategic health authorities has brought the advice line to the attention of nursing directors and primary care trust lead nurses throughout the NHS. In addition, the advice line was featured in the chief nursing officer's bulletin in October.
	Overseas governments with an interest in the recruitment of nurses have been informed about the NHS overseas nurses advice line through the issue of a card advertising the advice line.
	Cards advertising the advice line have been produced and distributed by organisations including the Royal College of Nursing and Unison, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and Independent Healthcare Association. The Nursing and Midwifery Council will be distributing cards to overseas representatives in the New Year.

Quat

Jenny Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research he has undertaken to examine the effect on health of using Quat.

Hazel Blears: No research is currently being funded by the Government to examine the effect on health of using Quat. The advisory council on the misuse of drugs' research committee is now actively looking into commissioning research to gain an increased understanding of the risks associated with chewing Quat.

Radiographers

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies there are for radiographers in acute hospitals; broken down by NHS trust.

John Hutton: The number of vacancies lasting three months and over are collected by national health service trusts and have been placed in the Library.

Recruitment

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 2 December, Official Report, column 608W, on recruitment, if he has written to NHS organisations with a list of unsuitable nursing agencies who persistently recruit nurses from developing countries, contrary to the code of practice; and what action he (a) has taken and (b) plans to take, against those NHS employers who have used nursing agencies who have breached the code of practice.

John Hutton: holding answer 10 December 2002
	The Department investigates any agency whose behaviour appears to be inconsistent with the code of practice. The agency will be investigated and given the opportunity to respond to the allegations and reconsider their practice.
	National health service organisations are strongly advised to refer to the list, which is available at www.doh.gov.uk/international-recruitment, when establishing new contracts.

Road Traffic Casualties

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  why the maximum charges for the treatment of road traffic casualties by the NHS are to increase from 1 April 2003;
	(2)  what consultations have been held with insurers about the proposed changes in the level of charges for the treatment of road traffic casualties by the NHS in April 2003;
	(3)  what criteria were used to assess the appropriate level of increase in the charges in connection with the treatment of road traffic casualties by the NHS, set out in the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Amendment No.2 Regulations 2002;
	(4)  what estimate he has made of the impact upon motor insurance premiums of the proposed charges set out in the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Amendment (No 2) Regulations 2002;
	(5)  what changes in NHS income will result in 2003–04 from the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Amendment (No.2) Regulations 2002.

David Lammy: holding answer 16 December 2002
	Regulations to increase the tariff and cap for the recovery of national health service (NHS) costs following road traffic accidents were laid before Parliament on 11 December 2002. The regulations increase the tariff to take account of hospital and community health services (HCHS) inflation since 1997, which is the year the tariff was set. The regulations also increase the cap, as operational experience has shown that this was set too low when the scheme was introduced in April 1999. The increased cap would still relieve insurers of the full cost of treating those seriously injured in road traffic accidents.
	The Department undertook a consultation on the proposed increases, which ran for three months between July and September 2002. Departmental officials discussed the consultation and the proposed increases with members of the insurance industry and their trade bodies.
	The increased charges would increase income to NHS hospitals by around #56 million per year. However, as NHS costs are not repaid until the accident victim's compensation claim settles, which takes on average 18 months, NHS hospitals would not feel the full effect of the increases until the latter part of 2004. If this cost was spread evenly among all holders of compulsory motor vehicle insurance, then the cost of the average policy could be expected to rise by around 0.7 per cent., or around #3 per policy.
	The consultation on increasing the level of charges and summary of outcome can be found on the Department of Health's website at www.doh.gov.uk/consultations

Smoking

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the population smoke cigarettes in each region in England.

Hazel Blears: Information on smoking prevalence for adults aged 16 and over is shown in the table.
	
		Prevalence of smoking, for adults aged 16 and over, by Government Office Region England, 2000
		
			 Government Office Region Percentage 
		
		
			 North East 27 
			 North West 30 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 28 
			 East Midlands 25 
			 West Midlands 26 
			 Eastern 25 
			 London 27 
			 South East 25 
			 South West 27 
			 England 27 
		
	
	Note: For 2000, ONS have weighted the data to compensate for under-representation of people in some groups (for example, young men).
	Source: Analysis of the ONS General Household Survey, published as 'Living in Britain—Results from the 2000 General Household Survey'.